It’s social prescribing week and we’re celebrating our partnerships with social prescribers across the UK. 

In a short time, social prescribing has become a big part of the lives of many people. But then there are many more who still haven’t come across it yet. Social prescribing is sometimes known as community referral and supports people who are socially isolated, people with multiple long-term conditions, people who frequently attend the GP, and people with mild or long-term mental health problems. Patients are referred to a range of activities, generally provided by charities and other community organisations. Depending on the reason for the visit to the GP, the social prescriber might prescribe volunteering, arts activities, group learning, gardening, befriending, cookery, healthy eating or sport and exercise. Crucially, social prescribing helps people take greater control of their own health, promoting autonomy and freedom of choice.  

For Re-engage, social prescribing, with its holistic approach and focus on ‘what matters to me’ has meant that many thousands of older people have been referred to the charity by people working in this field. And with the lifting of restrictions, we are looking for more ways to connect with social prescribers and make sure they know about our work.  

Our team of engagement officers is based across the UK and are working closely with social prescribers nationwide. One third of older people who join our services are directed to us by social prescribers.  

So, this week, we’re celebrating the way in which social prescribers are helping older people to find wonderful opportunities to make new relationships at a time in their lives when they had thought they would simply remain alone and isolated. And we’re inviting social prescribers from across the UK to work with us to help people who are over 75 and alone to find a call companion, join a tea party, or be part of our activity groups and to encourage others to join us as volunteers.