Many things that affect our health can’t be treated by doctors or medicine alone -things like loneliness, debt, or stress due to financial pressures or poor housing. Social prescribing connects people to non-medical support that addresses these or other unmet needs, as a way of improving health and wellbeing.
Social prescribing has become a cornerstone of Greater Manchester’s (GM) health and care system, and how we support people to live well in their communities. As we mark Social Prescribing Day on 19 March, an annual celebration that raises awareness of what social prescribing is, how it works, and how it changes lives, it’s a moment to reflect on the progress made and the positive impact social prescribing has had across the region.
Social prescribing is available in every borough of GM. There are now 265 Social Prescribing Link Workers across Greater Manchester, supporting approximately 50,000 people each year. These skilled professionals are helping people navigate the complexities of health and social care, connecting them to local resources, activities, and support networks that make a real difference.
How the Big Life Group supports adults through social prescribing
One example is the Early Help for Adults Partnership between The Big Life Group, Back On Track, and Shelter. It is designed to support Manchester adults experiencing multiple disadvantages and needing support to navigate different systems, services, and sectors. A team of navigators, a peer mentor coordinator, and volunteers, provide person-centred support that starts with what matters to people, and their strengths. Navigators work alongside statutory services, advocating for the people they support.
One of the people being supported through the partnership said:
“I am really happy with the help that I have received from you guys, it has really helped me mentally. Before you came and helped me, I was a mess, I just wanted to get out of this house, I would have taken a one bedroom with my children if I had to. Once you and your colleague came that first day you calmed me down and explained what else could be done for me. Since having the security equipment placed around my home the harassment has stopped, and I no longer feel like I need to move. I can now focus on finding a new job”.
Social Prescribing is mainly offered to adults; however, there are growing opportunities to support children and young people with long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and mental health challenges. By providing person-centred support, social prescribing empowers young people to identify what matters to them and improve their health. This approach not only addresses immediate needs but also builds resilience and confidence for the future.
Supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing at Healthy Hyde
The Children’s Mental Health and Well-Being team at Healthy Hyde aims to build a positive rapport with children, giving them the chance to open up and discuss their mental health and well-being, whilst learning new strategies to deal with challenges they may face. This takes place in a fun and safe environment during school hours. You can learn more by watching a video here: Children’s Wellbeing Service, Healthy Hyde.
Clear evidence that social prescribing works
There is now clear evidence that social prescribing works, not only improving health and wellbeing outcomes for individuals but also having a positive impact on the use of health and care services. By addressing social, emotional, and practical needs, social prescribing helps reduce pressure on overstretched services while supporting people to find long-term solutions within their communities.
A recent National Academy for Social Prescribing report, ‘The Impact of Social Prescribing on Health Service Use and Costs: Examples of local evaluations in practice‘ builds on an existing body of evidence that social prescribing directly improves people’s health, strengthens communities and offers value for money, and highlights a 42.2% reduction in GP appointments among 1,751 patients who benefitted from social prescribing in Tameside and Glossop.
Social prescribing is embedded into the heart of GM Live Well: Greater Manchester’s commitment to ensuring great everyday support is available in every neighbourhood to tackle health, social and economic inequalities. Through the whole system working together, social prescribing is not only supporting individuals but also strengthening the vital role of the Voluntary, Community, Faith, and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector in delivering person-centred care.
What our social prescribing lead has to say
Charlotte Leonhardsen, Social Prescribing lead at NHS GM, said:
“As Greater Manchester moves forward with its ambition to ensure great everyday support is available in every neighbourhood through GM Live Well, social prescribing becomes an important part of the jigsaw.
“Social prescribing plays a key role in ensuring everyone has the support, control, connections, and resources to lead a healthy, happy life. Our workforce of link workers, connectors and navigators are essential in bridging between public services and community activities.
“Despite its success, the potential of social prescribing remains underutilised. To truly maximise its impact, social prescribing must be embedded in all health and social care pathways – not just within primary care. By shifting the focus from clinical settings to community-based support and meeting people where they live, we can build trusting relationships and create a more sustainable, responsive health and care system – one that reflects the needs and strengths of the people it serves.
“We’ll be working with partners across the region to expand social prescribing across public services, supporting the development of GM’s neighbourhood prevention model. Social prescribing can help develop lasting partnerships between the voluntary sector and public services. We want to increase long-term investment into the voluntary sector to create thriving, connected, and resilient communities.
“As we celebrate Social Prescribing Day, let’s champion the vital role of social prescribing in Greater Manchester – connecting people, building communities, and transforming lives.”
Find your local social prescribing service
