Social Prescribing & Healthy Lives Advisers

Social prescribing is a service that connects people with non-medical support in the community, and “healthy lives advisers” is one of several names for the professionals who deliver this service, along with Social Prescribing Link Workers, community connectors, or wellbeing advisors. These link workers, or advisers, help people address practical, social, and emotional needs that impact their health, such as loneliness, debt, or long-term health conditions, by connecting them with local groups, services, and activities.

Social Prescribing Service:

What it is: A way for GPs, nurses, and other primary care professionals to refer patients to local, non-clinical services that support health and wellbeing.

Who it’s for: People with issues like loneliness, long-term health conditions, mental health needs, or complex social needs that a medical prescription alone cannot address.

How it works: A patient is referred to a social prescribing link worker who will listen to understand their situation and what’s important to them. The link worker then connects them to appropriate community resources, such as hobby groups, debt advice services, or housing support.

Healthy Lives Advisers:

What it is: A different name for the social prescribing professional, also known as a link worker or community connector.

Role: To act as the “link” between healthcare and community-based support organizations.

Key skills: They build trusting relationships, take a holistic approach to a person’s health, and help them navigate services to find solutions. This includes addressing the wider social determinants of health, like debt or poor housing.

How to access: Discuss with your GP practice staff to see if they have a social prescribing link worker or advisor available.