10 years of social prescribing in Merton and new national evidence on its impact!

Nationally, more than one million people are referred to social prescribing through GP practices each year, with growing reach into communities facing greater disadvantage.

New national research published in The Lancet shows that more than one million people are referred to social prescribing through GP practices in England each year. The analysis also shows year on year increases in referrals and uptake among people living in the most deprived areas and among patients from ethnic minority communities, underlining the role of social prescribing in addressing health inequalities.

In Merton, 2026 marks ten years since social prescribing was first developed locally. The service began as a small pilot, focused on supporting GP patients whose needs could not be met through clinical care alone. Over time, and in line with national NHS policy, social prescribing became embedded across the borough, with link workers working closely with GP practices, voluntary organisations and community services.

Social prescribing in Merton supports residents to focus on what matters to them. Link workers spend time understanding individual needs and connect people to non-clinical, community based support. This can include help with social connection, physical activity, advice services, creative activities or support to manage long term conditions and wellbeing.

The importance of social prescribing locally is also recognised in Merton on the Move, the borough’s Annual Public Health Report. The report highlights a case study and explains how the service plays a part in Merton’s wider approach to prevention, community based support and making healthier choices more accessible for residents.

The latest national evidence, alongside Merton’s decade of local experience, shows that social prescribing is both in high demand and reaching people who could benefit most. Work continues to strengthen links between health services and the voluntary and community sector so that residents can access timely, personalised support beyond clinical settings.

As Merton marks an incredible 10 years of social prescribing, we will be sharing more about the impact of the service locally and how this milestone will be celebrated later in the year.