Benefits of social prescribing: unlocking enhanced wellbeing

Imagine you’re swamped with university life and don’t know where to turn. Social prescribing for students could change that by connecting them to community-based mental health support that fits their needs. Did you know that studies suggests online support platforms might highlight the benefits of social prescribing by making people feel safer and more supported?

What is social prescribing?

Social prescribing isn’t just about medicine. It links people to community activities and services that might boost their well-being. Think of it like this: instead of just taking pills, you might join an art class, exercise group, or volunteer team. This approach is part of a broader trend in personalised mental health care. Supported by the Social Prescribing Network in the United Kingdom, this novel method acknowledges the close connection between an individual’s social, emotional, and environmental conditions and their mental health.

How it helps students: exploring the benefits of social prescribing

Social prescribing for students could help in a few key ways:

1. Accessible Support: Digital platforms might make support available anytime, anywhere. This could reduce stigma and encourage more students to seek help. For example, students using online mental health resources often feel safer and more supported. Help4Mind offers affordable online therapy, which could be an excellent resource for students seeking confidential, accessible support whenever they need it.
2. Peer Navigators: Peer navigators in mental health guide students through available resources. This personal touch could normalise mental health concerns and build resilience within student groups.
3. Trusted Resources: These might include university services, local community assets, and digital tools. This ensures students receive high-quality, relevant support, improving student mental health support.

Potential for higher education

Although there aren’t many tailored social prescribing pathways for students yet, models from other contexts might offer a solid foundation. Implementing social prescribing in higher education could show great promise for improving student well-being.

Impact on older adults

Social prescribing for older adults might benefit older individuals too. A 2022 UK review highlighted several positive outcomes:

1. Increased Wellbeing: Older adults involved in social prescribing reported better well-being and more social involvement.
2. Peer Support: Community link workers provide personalised mental health care and help navigate services. This peer-led approach could make social prescribing more acceptable and help older adults stick to recommended activities.
3. Varied Activities: Activities like arts and physical exercise could enhance mental and cognitive health. Although successful, more community resources might address additional unmet needs.

Conclusion

Social prescribing could transform mental health care by focusing on the whole person. Whether for students or older adults, this approach links individuals to personalised, community-based support. By highlighting the benefits of social prescribing and creating supportive environments, this approach might help people thrive, one connection at a time.

References

1. Cooper M, Flynn D, Avery L, Ashley K, Jordan C, Errington L, et al. Service user perspectives on social prescribing services for mental health in the UK: a systematic review. Perspect Public Health. 2023 May;143(3):135–44.
2. Davies M, Elliott M, Wallace S, Wallace C. Enhancing student wellbeing through social prescribing: a rapid realist review. Public Health Rev. 2023;44:1605189.
3. Percival A, Newton C, Mulligan K, Petrella RJ, Ashe MC. Systematic review of social prescribing and older adults: where to from here? Fam Med Community Health. 2022 Oct;10(Suppl 1):e001829.