The Evidence

What evidence exists in support of social prescribing in mental health?

The research into social prescribing points to benefits in three key areas:

• Improving mental health outcomes
• Improving community well-being
• Reducing social exclusion

(Friedli & Watson, 2004)

Social prescribing provides a framework for:

• Developing alternative responses to mental distress
• A wider recognition of the influence of social, economic and cultural factors on mental health outcomes
• Improving access to mainstream services and opportunities for people with long term mental health problems

(Friedli et al, 2007)

There is evidence to demonstrate that social prescribing is particularly applicable for vulnerable and at risk groups, people with mild to moderate depression and anxiety, and those who are frequent attendees at General Practitioner (GP) surgeries.

Social prescribing provides an opportunity to strengthen the capacity of primary care to respond effectively and at an early stage, to symptoms of mental distress, as well as initiating a more proactive approach to mental health improvement.

References:

Brown. M, Friedli. L and Watson. S. (2004) Prescriptions for pleasure. Mental Health Today. June, 20-23.

Friedli, L. Vincent, A. & Woodhouse, A. (2007) Developing Social Prescribing and Community Referrals for Mental Health in Scotland, Scottish Development Centre for Mental Health, Healthier Scotland.