It's National Social Prescribing Day!

Watch our new video & find out more about the impact our team is making here in Merton

Today, 19 March 2025, marks National Social Prescribing Day, a celebration of the role social prescribing plays in improving health and well-being. Since its launch in 2019, this annual event has brought together healthcare professionals, community organisations, and individuals to highlight the impact of non-medical interventions in healthcare.

Social prescribing connects people with community-based services, such as activity groups, mental health support, and financial advice; to help address the root causes of poor health. With demand rising, services across the UK, including Merton, have stepped up to ensure more people receive the support they need.

Merton’s Social Prescribing Success Story

Since its launch in 2017, Merton’s social prescribing service has helped thousands of residents find local support to improve their well-being. Working closely with GPs, voluntary groups, and community services, the programme has tackled issues such as social isolation, mental health challenges, and practical support needs.

An evaluation of the East Merton Social Prescribing Pilot demonstrated clear benefits, showing improved well-being among patients and a reduction in GP visits. Participants reported feeling more engaged in their communities and better equipped to manage their health independently.

Oxford University Study

Further evidence of social prescribing’s success came from a 2022 Oxford University study evaluating Merton’s service. The study found that patients who engaged with social prescribing saw measurable improvements in their health and well-being, with a reduction in GP and A&E visits.

By integrating academic research with frontline healthcare, the study has helped shape best practices and policy discussions, reinforcing the case for continued investment in social prescribing services.

Innovation and Growth

To meet increasing demand, Merton Connected adopted digital tools to streamline patient referrals and enhance service efficiency. In 2020, the team partnered with Access Elemental Social Prescribing, a digital platform that has reduced administrative workload and improved service coordination.

Additionally, Merton has invested in green social prescribing; nature-based interventions designed to support mental health and well-being. These initiatives align with national efforts to reduce health inequalities and promote holistic healthcare.

Relieving NHS Pressures

Beyond improving individual well-being, social prescribing is helping to reduce strain on NHS services.A recent NASP report found that:

• Tameside and Glossop saw a 42.2% reduction in GP appointments among social prescribing users.
• Kent reported a 15.4%–23.6% drop in A&E attendances among patients engaged with social prescribing (NASP, 2024).

These findings demonstrate how social prescribing is diverting patients from overstretched primary and emergency care services, supporting the long-term sustainability of the NHS.

How to Get Involved

On this National Social Prescribing Day, we invite healthcare professionals, community organisations, and residents to explore how social prescribing can benefit them. If you'd like to join one of our virtual roundtable meetings to explore how we could work together or how you can get support get in touch here.

Watch our new video showcasing social prescribing in Merton