New research highlights vital role of Social Prescribing Link Workers in supporting people with complex social needs
New research from the University of Manchester has highlighted the vital role of Social Prescribing Link Workers in England and Scotland, showing that they are increasingly supporting patients with basic needs that affect health like housing, money and social support (fundamental social determinants of health), especially in socioeconomically deprived areas.
One month since Social Prescribing Day
Social Prescribing Day last month was a fantastic celebration of social prescribing, recognising the dedicated people who work to make a difference to people’s lives.
Several key publications came out during what was an incredibly busy week. In case you missed any, you can look back here:
Other highlights from Social Prescribing Day 2026:Over 70 events took place across the country, bringing together link workers, partners, community groups and people with lived experience. There was plenty to celebrate but also a strong sense that social prescribing is increasingly becoming part of how we think about health.
Social prescribing on the global map
NASP also brought people together in Parliament to mark the day and launch the new World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Centre for Social Prescribing Policy and Development, with over 200 colleagues, partners and stakeholders.
Social Prescribing USA, the leading national advocacy organization for social prescribing in the United States, also released a report on the same day: Building the Future of Social Prescribing in the United States — Social Prescribing USA. It follows a global panel which included NASP’s Strategic Lead for Neighbourhood Health, Monica Boulton, contributing insights from England’s experience, while also learning from international colleagues working to advance social prescribing in their own contexts.
New report highlights untapped potential of faith communities in neighbourhood health
NASP and Good Faith Partnership have released a new report, Faith and Social Prescribing Roundtable report: Building Strategic Partnerships for Neighbourhood Health, calling on NHS leaders to recognise and embed faith organisations as key partners in healthcare delivery. While faith communities provide vital support, particularly in areas experiencing the biggest health inequalities, they remain underrepresented in formal social prescribing pathways.
The Green Social Prescribing Journey Collection
Developed in collaboration between the Innovation Network and the Green Social Prescribing Programme, the Green Social Prescribing Journey Collection brings together ‘Process Journeys’ from organisations across the nature-based provider sector, focusing on how they have embedded Green Social Prescribing in their practice and communities. The Collection serves as a practical reference and learning tool, particularly for those developing or delivering social prescribing offers.
Increasing people’s physical activity through social prescribingWe welcome the cross-party Culture, Media and Sport Committee’s Game On: Community and school sport report (published 20 April 2026), which highlights how social prescribing could increase physical activity. The report calls for stronger guidance and intervention to support this work.
