Embedded in local communities and a trusted source of information, GPs are in a key position to encourage their patients to use non-clinical services that promote and maintain health and wellbeing. Participation in the arts and outdoor activities like gardening are known to be beneficial to mental health as highlighted in a recent article in this Journal.1 There are also myriad activities which can complement and enhance clinical treatment in primary care and benefit not only mental but physical health. The challenge for busy GPs and primary care practitioners is how to enable patients to access these activities given that they vary from place to place and over time. Knowing what is available, having assurance regarding quality, and having the time to explore options with patients requires local knowledge, time, and capacity which clinicians simply do not have.
Social prescribing is one way of addressing this challenge and involves the ‘creation of referral pathways that allow primary care patients with non-clinical needs to be directed to local voluntary services and community groups.’2 A non-clinical facilitator, generally employed by and based in the practice, is able to spend time with patients who have psychological and social needs and direct them to community-based support, including …