Social Prescribing Day 2026

What is #SocialPrescribingDay and why it matters?

Since 2019, thousands of organisations, link workers, healthcare professionals, and community groups have taken part worldwide each year to raise awareness of what social prescribing is, how it works, and how it continues to change lives.

Social prescribing is a non-clinical, person-centred approach that helps address an individual’s needs by connecting them to non-medical support within their communities.

Its core principles—connection, activity, and community—are relevant to everyone. By linking people to local opportunities, it:

• Reduces isolation

• Encourages meaningful participation

• Supports mental and physical wellbeing

• Strengthens community connections

Social prescribing helps individuals become more integrated into their communities by linking them to local support and activities. This is particularly valuable for those experiencing mental or physical health challenges, helping them feel less isolated and focus on what matters most to them.

Integrating community-based support into healthcare is increasingly essential, as social prescribing provides a structured way to connect people to the resources and activities that support their overall wellbeing [1].

This might include:

• Joining a befriending group, art class, or community gardening project

• Accessing support for managing debt or claiming benefits

• Taking part in accessible physical activity

By recognising the complexity of people’s lives, social prescribing helps tackle the root causes of poor health, enabling people to build confidence, manage conditions, and feel more connected.

The Growing Impact of Social Prescribing

Social prescribing has become an increasingly vital part of health and social care.

Since 2019, there have been an estimated 5.5 million GP consultations leading to social prescribing referrals, reflecting significant growth across primary care [2].

There are now over 3,500 Social Prescribing Link Workers embedded in primary care and community services, with 98% reporting a positive difference for the people they support [3].

Social prescribing also delivers wider system value, with savings on investment, while increasingly reaching people in more deprived communities and helping to reduce health inequalities [4][5].

A Holistic, Person-Centred Approach

Like aneemo, social prescribing targets health inequalities and supports people to feel more connected within their communities. It is a person-centred approach that focuses on the emotional, social, and psychological needs of the individual, aligning with models such as Psychologically Informed Environments (PIE) and Trauma-Informed Care (TIC).

At aneemo, we support and advocate for social prescribing by promoting training and developing interventions that improve wellbeing. By embedding PIE and trauma-informed approaches, we create environments where people feel safe, supported, and empowered to grow.

Alongside other interventions, social prescribing contributes to a more holistic and effective system of care.

Looking Ahead

In 2026, the message is clear: health is more than medicine. It is about connection, purpose, and belonging.

We are proud to support Social Prescribing Day and encourage others to explore the holistic wellbeing benefits of community activities—such as arts, sport, volunteering, and nature-based initiatives—and the value they bring to connection and belonging.

To find out more visit: Social Prescribing Academy

[1] NHS England. (2019). The NHS Long Term Plan. Available at: https://www.longtermplan.nhs.uk/

[2] Bu, F., Burton, A., Launders, N., et al. (2025). National roll-out of social prescribing in England’s primary care system: a longitudinal observational study using Clinical Practice Research Datalink data. The Lancet Public Health. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/S2468-2667(25)00217-8

[3] National Academy for Social Prescribing. (2025). Link Worker Survey 2025: Understanding what matters to Social Prescribing Link Workers. Available at: https://socialprescribingacademy.org.uk/resources/link-worker-survey-2025-understanding-what-matters-to-social-prescribing-link-workers/

[4] National Academy for Social Prescribing. (2023). The economic impact of social prescribing. Available at: https://socialprescribingacademy.org.uk/nasps-evidence-reports/the-economic-impact-of-social-prescribing/

[5] Drinkwater, C., Wildman, J., & Moffatt, S. (2019). Social prescribing. BMJ, 364, l1285. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l1285