December 2023
Social prescribing growing in Wales
The latest data shows there has been a clear year on year increase in referrals and use of social prescribing from around 10,000 in 2018 to 2019 to just over 25,000 in 2020 to 2021.
Through its early preventative approach, social prescribing could help ease the burden on front-line specialist services. Evidence suggests it reduces the footfall to GP surgeries by 15% to 28%, and around 20% of patients go to their GP for social problems.
Social prescribing can vary from person to person, and is a way of connecting people, whatever their age or background with their community. It can improve mental wellbeing, reduce anxiety and depression, enhance self-esteem, reduce loneliness and isolation, maintaining healthy body weight, and help people live better, for longer.
The new National Framework for Social Prescribing (NFfSP), launched by Deputy Minister for Mental Health and Wellbeing, Lynne Neagle today (Monday 11 December) seeks to support local action to mainstream social prescribing across Wales, whilst keeping people at its heart.
Further information.