See Related Resources for links to the cost of living support offers in each of the NCL boroughs.

What is social prescribing?

Social prescribing is about helping people find ways to improve their health and wellbeing by linking them up with what’s going on in their local area.

Social prescribing seeks to move away from a medical model and towards a holistic person-centred or family-centred view of wellbeing, identifying the root causes of the individual’s and/or family’s issues and tackling them head on. The aim of this is to connect the individual and/or family into community-based support and help them to make the most of community and informal support.

More information about social prescribing can be found in:

• The NHS England Network Contract Directed Enhanced Service Specification (2020-21) 
• The NHS Long Term Plan (2019)
• The NHS Universal Personalised Care Model Implementation Guide (2019).

What activities are included in social prescribing?

The types of activities included in social prescribing are varied, but often include:

• art classes
• singing classes
• gardening groups
• faith groups
• volunteering and employment support
• walking groups.

How to connect patients with social prescribing schemes

For patients who have non-clinical needs but need support identifying the community services that are right for them, they can be referred to their local social prescribing link worker (also known as navigators). 

Social prescribing link workers spend time with patients to identify their needs, preferences and wellbeing goals, and then support them in accessing community services. Anyone can link patients with community services and patients are also able to self-refer.

Area specific guidance for Barnet

See Downloads for a list of GP practices in Barnet that offer social prescribing, as well as the Barnet Community Navigation (CN) guide which highlights key CN services, what they offer and how to introduce (refer) a resident.

For any queries (patients and healthcare professionals), contact:
e: nclicb.barnetsocialprescribing@nhs.net

Area specific guidance for Camden

Parks play a key role in safeguarding and improving residents’ health and reducing health inequalities. For information about where local green spaces are, the types of activities and events taking place, and more, visit the Camden Council website.

For information about the Camden and Islington Parks for Health programme, visit the Future Parks website.

Area specific guidance for Islington

The Manor Gardens Wellbeing Programme provides open-door access for anyone in Islington needing support to improve their wellbeing. Anyone can ask for an assessment for themselves or a client; see the website for a referral form.

Parks play a key role in safeguarding and improving residents’ health and reducing health inequalities. For information about where local green spaces are, the types of activities and events taking place, and more, visit the Find Your Islington website.

For information about the Camden and Islington Parks for Health programme, visit the Future Parks website.