William Eichler 17 August 2020

Government announces £5m for COVID-19 ‘social prescribing’

The National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) has been awarded £5m to help people stay connected and maintain their health and wellbeing following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The funding will help the NASP connect people to initiatives in their local communities, such as singing groups and physical activities, in the hope that this will support those struggling with mental health issues.

The practice of encouraging people to get involved in community activities - known as ‘social prescribing’ - has been shown to improve patients’ quality of life, health and wellbeing.

It is a core part of the NHS approach to delivering targeted personalised care and is being expanded across England. The NASP was launched in October 2019 to create a ‘social revolution in wellbeing’.

‘This new funding is hugely important, as it will allow us to build on the merits of social prescribing and encourage innovation in local projects, as well as supporting people to remain connected with their local community, reduce loneliness and improve their wellbeing,’ said minister for health Jo Churchill.

‘GPs and social prescribing link workers have been working incredibly hard to support their patients through this challenging time. As we begin to support the move out of lockdown, social prescribing will be key to tackling health inequalities and helping people recover and rebuild their lives.’

Welcoming the funding, chief executive officer of the NASP, James Sanderson, said: ‘Now more than ever, the pandemic has shown the value of social prescribing in helping people to stay connected, feel supported and to maintain their wellbeing.

‘The National Academy for Social Prescribing has an ambitious agenda to support people to live the best life they can by accessing support in their local communities based on what matters to them.

‘We will be working with key partners across national and local government, the NHS, and the voluntary and community sector to build the support structures necessary to enable social prescribing to thrive.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Storytelling and Case Studies Officer

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Starting Salary from £43,545 FTE based on Skill
Job Title Storytelling and Cas... Wandsworth Town Hall/hybrid
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Head of Housing Development

London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
UP to £116,847
Job Title- Head of Housing Development Salary – UP to £116,847 Permanent – Fulltime (36hours) Location- Wandsworth Town Hall, London Are you experienced in Local Government Housing Association/Development? If yes, you are invited to consider th Wandsworth, London
Recuriter: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth

Chief of Staff

Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk
up to £126,615
We’re transforming services with ambition and community at the heart of our work. Norfolk
Recuriter: Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk

Director of People

Lancashire County Council
£108,697 - £117,998
As a leader at Lancashire County Council, you’ll join an authority with real scale, courageous ambition and deep pride in place. County hall
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council

Director of Strategy and Transformation

Lancashire County Council
£108,697 - £117,998
As a leader at Lancashire County Council, you’ll join an authority with real scale, courageous ambition and deep pride in place. Preston, Lancashire
Recuriter: Lancashire County Council
Linkedin Banner