What is Social Prescribing?

Social prescribing is a means for health-care providers to connect patients to a range of non clinical services in the community, in order to improve their health and well-being.

As opposed to simply treating symptoms, social prescribing can help to address the underlying causes of patients’ health and well-being challenges. Social prescribing is a more holistic approach to health care, which promotes community-based integrated care and support.

The prescriber identifies that a person/client/patient has non-medical, health-related social needs (e.g., issues with housing, food, employment, income, social support). The person is referred to a community connector. Together they will assess the person’s needs and develop a health plan. The connector helps them find non-clinical supports and services within the community and support the individuals in accessing needed services.