Mental health and wellbeing in primary care services: resources

6. Social Prescribing Tools

6.1 Introduction

The term ‘social prescribing’ is used to describe a variety of approaches by which individuals are linked to resources and services within local communities with the aim of improving mental and physical health and wellbeing. It encapsulates the concept that people’s health is largely determined by socio-economic factors, and that people who have access to social supports within their communities are healthier.

Social prescribing is an important approach to self-management of mental health. It is based on a clear rationale that supporting people to access and use non-medical sources of support can contribute to improved mental health.

This can include opportunities for the arts, physical activity, outdoor activity, learning, volunteering, social support, mutual aid, befriending services and self-help, as well as support with benefits, legal advice, etc.

There is evidence that social prescribing can reduce social isolation, increase resilience and confidence, giving individuals an increased sense of purpose and belonging in their communities. It can be useful for individuals with long-term conditions, those who need more support with their mental health, have complex social needs that affect their wellbeing or feel lonely or isolated.

Community Link Workers will have a key role to play in growing community mental health resilience and increasing the use of social prescribing.

For further reading and research evidence see Appendix 5.

6.2 The Scottish Social Prescribing Network

The Scottish Social Prescribing Network provides support to a wide audience including those undertaking social prescribing roles across Scotland. The Network provides a route for collaboration with academic researchers who are working to improve the evidence base for social prescribing as well as those with a more general interest in the topic.

6.3 ALISS (A Local Information System for Scotland)

This web-based resource maps community assets and connects people with local sources of support that will enable them to manage their own health conditions more effectively. ALISS was co-produced by working with disabled people, people with long term conditions, unpaid carers, health and social care professionals and technology professionals.

It is a web-based resource which means that it is available to General Practitioners and Mental Health Teams to access information about local community support services.

If you would like to connect with the ALISS team, you can contact them at hello@aliss.org.

6.4 Third Sector Interfaces

Third sector interfaces (TSIs) provide a single point of access for support and advice for the third sector within local areas. There is a TSI in each local authority area in Scotland.

The TSIs can provide information on volunteering opportunities, as well as local community and voluntary activities and support.

6.5 Volunteer Scotland

Volunteer Scotland is the national centre for volunteering and offers a one stop digital gateway for anyone looking for volunteer opportunities.

6.6 Employability

The Allied Health Professionals (AHPs), Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, can complete an AHP Health and Work Report to provide support to employers to meet health needs of employees.

The Department of Work and Pensions employs Disability Employer Advisers and Youth Employability Coaches. They give specialist support to jobseekers aligned to Job Centres and support all customers with Health and Disability. There are also DWP Work Psychologists for specialist support available where required; this is assessed through the Job Coaches.

The Employability Pipeline model has been developed as a framework to support the effective delivery of employability services, including Scotland’s first iteration of devolved employability provision, Fair Start Scotland. The service provides 12-18 months of tailored, flexible, and person-centred support to those facing significant challenges moving into fair and sustainable work. Up to 12 months in-work support is also available to ensure people remain supported while in work.

The Supporting a Mentally Healthy Workplace platform signposts employers to a wide range of free mental health and wellbeing resources and information. The platform aims to support employers of all sizes in Scotland – from large scale companies to SMEs and the self-employed – but it will be a useful tool for employees too.

6.7 National Physical Activity Pathway

Public Health Scotland (PHS) provides support for health and social care professionals in discussing physical activity with people who might benefit from being more active, as well as new Physical Activity Referral Standards Physical activity referral standards - Publications - Public Health Scotland.

6.8 The Collective For Health and Wellbeing

The Collective For Health and Wellbeing is an Action Plan which lays the foundations for a cross-sectoral approach to building more resilient, healthier communities. It will establish libraries as the go-to place in communities for: trusted health and wellbeing information; digital, information and health literacy skills; facilitated reading for personal growth and therapeutic support; and social interaction and empathic help and support.

6.9 Health on the Shelf

Health on the shelf examines the current health and wellbeing offer available in Scotland’s public libraries. It aims to equip library services to better demonstrate the valuable role libraries play in helping the public manage their own health. It makes recommendations for the future and includes a comprehensive list of what’s available across Scotland.

6.10 Citizens Advice Scotland

Citizens Advice Scotland provide free, independent, confidential, impartial advice, and it is available to everyone. They also provide information and guidance on a range of issues including benefits, work, housing and homelessness, immigration, and debt and money advice.

You can get advice online, by contacting their helpline on 0800 028 1456, or through your local citizens advice bureau here.

6.11 Befriending Networks

There are befriending projects all over the UK from the Shetland Islands to Cornwall. This directory provides links to member services throughout the country so you can find a service that is local and fits the support needs of others.