If being connected socially is good for our health, why can’t our GPs prescribe it as well as, or instead of, medication? This question is contained in a CHEX briefing which describes this as “social prescribing”.
This is defined as a method of working with people to identify non-medical, community-based, sources of support for them, including outdoor activity, exercise programmes or social clubs – services often delivered by community-led organisations already working in local communities. When we consider the current challenges, such as an ageing population and shrinking budgets, increasing rates of depression and other mental health issues along with loneliness and isolation, plus health inequalities, this briefing makes some very welcome good news and can be read here.
