Social Prescribing is a way for people to access support for non-medical needs by being referred, either by a GP or another healthcare professional, or through self-referral, to a Social Prescribing Link Worker. Through one-to-one conversations, individuals can explore their needs and co-produce personalised solutions to improve their health and wellbeing, often by connecting with community and voluntary services. Social Prescribing is an innovative and rapidly growing movement with the potential to enhance health outcomes for participants. By addressing wider social determinants of health, it can also help reduce the financial pressure on healthcare systems, particularly within Primary Care. Key components of a Social Prescribing service include: A dedicated Social Prescribing Link Worker An documented A referral pathway, either from a healthcare professional or through self-referral An intake process, regardless of the referral pathway Several guided conversations between the participant and the Social Prescribing Link Worker to assess needs, provide support, and co-produce personalised solutions aimed at improving health and wellbeing The ability to connect participants with local voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations and where appropriate, relevant health services A system to monitor and evaluate the uptake and impact of Social Prescribing on individuals, communities, and the wider health service Many different models of Social Prescribing exist across Ireland and the common theme across all is the presence of a Social Prescribing Link Worker.

Most Social Prescribing projects in Ireland have traditionally focused on adults over the age of 18, including (but not limited to) individuals: living with one or more long-term health conditions needing support with their mental health experiencing loneliness or social isolation who are frequent GP attendees and/or have medically unexplained symptoms facing complex social challenges that impact their health and wellbeing However, there is a growing number of Social Prescribing projects specifically designed for children and young people, such as the SPACE Project.

The core aim of a Social Prescribing Link Worker is to support individuals to improve their health and wellbeing by connecting them with community groups, voluntary organisations, and statutory services that offer practical and emotional support. Social Prescribing Link Workers work collaboratively with people over time, taking a person-centred approach that focuses on the individual's own needs, strengths, and goals. They help individuals to identify what matters to them and provide the encouragement and support needed to make meaningful changes in their lives. For some, progress may happen over a short period, while for others, achieving their goals may take longer. Regardless of the timeframe, the Social Prescribing Link Worker remains a consistent source of support. Social Prescribing Link Workers come from a range of professional backgrounds, including community development, counselling, community education, social care, and social work. They bring a valuable mix of experience, skills, and personal qualities to the role. Key attributes include strong communication and listening skills, empathy, emotional resilience, and the ability to work in a person-centred, non-judgemental way with people from all walks of life.

Referrals to a Social Prescribing Link Worker can come from a wide range of sources. These include healthcare professionals such as GPs, nurses, mental health services, social workers, and other health and social care professionals. In addition, referrals are often made by community and voluntary organisations that are familiar with the individual’s needs. Most Social Prescribing services also accept self-referrals, allowing individuals to directly access support without needing a formal referral from a professional.

Referrals to a Social Prescribing Link Worker can come from a wide range of sources. These include healthcare professionals such as GPs, nurses, mental health services, social workers, and other health and social care professionals. In addition, referrals are often made by community and voluntary organisations that are familiar with the individual’s needs. Most Social Prescribing services also accept self-referrals, allowing individuals to directly access support without needing a formal referral from a professional.

Social Prescribing is becoming increasingly available across Ireland, with many areas now offering this support through local services. However, it is still a relatively new and developing approach, and new Social Prescribing services are being established on an ongoing basis. To find out if there is a Social Prescribing service available in your area, you can visit our interactive service map at: 👉 www.allirelandsocialprescribing.ie/service-list-by-county This page allows you to explore services by county and get in touch with your nearest Social Prescribing Link Worker.

There is a growing body of evidence showing that Social Prescribing can make a meaningful difference to people's lives. It has been shown to improve mental and physical health, reduce loneliness and social isolation, and help people feel more connected and in control of their wellbeing. On the island of Ireland, several evaluations have demonstrated positive outcomes for participants. For example, research by South Dublin County Partnership (2020) and the HSE (2015) found improvements in health and wellbeing, increased engagement with community supports, and greater confidence among participants to manage their own needs. A comprehensive review by the University of Westminster (Polley & Pilkington, 2017) found significant reductions in demand on health services following engagement with Social Prescribing. On average, referrals to Social Prescribing schemes led to a 28% reduction in GP appointments, a 24% decrease in A&E attendances, and a statistically significant drop in hospital referrals. More recent research continues to affirm these findings. A 2022 review by the National Academy for Social Prescribing in the UK concluded that Social Prescribing contributes positively to overall wellbeing and can play a key role in addressing non-medical factors that impact health, such as social isolation, financial stress, and housing insecurity. While further long-term studies are ongoing, the evidence to date strongly supports Social Prescribing as a valuable, person-centred approach to improving individual and community health while also easing pressure on overstretched healthcare systems.

The COVID‑19 pandemic underscored the essential role of Social Prescribing. Services rapidly adjusted to support individuals facing heightened loneliness, anxiety, and disruption to daily routines. Social Prescribing Link Workers became vital lifelines, offering: Virtual support such as online wellness workshops, exercise classes, and social coffee mornings. Digital training, teaching clients how to use online platforms to stay connected. Wellness packs and practical mental‑health advice covering routines, sleep, physical activity, and stress management. Signposting to local COVID‑19 response services, including help with groceries and medication collection. A December 2021 evaluation by Culture & Health Research confirmed the effectiveness of these adaptations, stating: “Social Prescribing has proven to be an effective way of enabling people to maintain and improve their health and wellbeing” https://culturehealthresearch.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/community-covid-report-december-2021.pdf Further, a 2021 report from the UK’s National Academy for Social Prescribing and UCL found that Social Prescribing was pivotal in mitigating the mental health impact of the pandemic, especially for those shielding or with long‑term conditions. It noted that Link Workers were key in maintaining social connection and ensuring access to community resources during this critical period.