Social prescribing (linking patients with non-medical sources of support within the community) in the UK places emphasis on ‘prevention is better than cure’. This report considers evidence, models, pathways and recommendations and demonstrates that the outcomes of social prescribing improves: esteem and confidence; self control and empowerment; psychological or mental wellbeing; and positive mood linked to a reduction in the symptoms of anxiety and depression. This has the potential to: reduce inappropriate prescribing of antidepressants in line with NICE (2004) guidelines; encourage patients to become proactive in decisions about their health; and increase social contact and support in local communities leading to a reduction in reliance on primary and secondary care.

Thomson, L., Camic, P., & Chatterjee, H. (2015). Social prescribing: A review of community referral schemes . London: University College London.