Social Prescribing is considered a key component of Universal Personalised Care by the NHS:

‘It is an approach that aims to meet our practical, social and emotional needs through community-based activities to improve our health and wellbeing. ‘[1]

This may be applicable for anyone, particularly someone with a long-term condition, mental health issues, is feeling isolated or someone who has complex social needs.

Social Prescribing for Young People

A large takeaway from the conversations we’ve convened is the gap in provisions for young people. A focus is required on enhancing young people’s wellbeing and sense of belonging within Greater Lincolnshire. This is particularly important given the high rates of anxiety, depression, and social isolation experienced by young people in the area, coupled with limitations in traditional healthcare services. These are often further escalated by the pressures young people face from social media, from peers or establishing a sense of their own identity.

Additionally, the post-COVID-19 period has highlighted significant challenges related to isolation and disengagement from local arts, culture, and community activities. To enhance Social Prescribing for young people we must ask ourselves what help can we offer? We must consider the community activities needed to focus on their aspirations, educational needs, general interests and confidence building.

Our Approach

A key in our approach is collaboration. These efforts are encompassed under the wing of the Centre for Culture and Creativity which forms a partnership with us, the University of Lincoln, the Barbican Creative Hub and 24 partner organisations. By leveraging huge partnerships, we can better engage young people in meaningful activities, that have been selected using local and national exemplars in co-creating with young people.

Convening and Shared Practice

 Sharing practices and convening between our partners remains integral in enhancing Social Prescribing for young people. At events such as ‘Shining a light on Social Prescribing’ (2023) we host talks such as Sarah Paine’s ‘Spotlighting Social Prescribing in Lincolnshire’ (from Social Prescribing Solutions) or Sarah Shametti’s ‘Social Prescribing in Action’ (from the University Hospital Southampton). These talks by Social Prescribing practitioners continue to establish some of the key areas which need to be addressed. Such as:

• Expanding co-production, in order to make services more relevant
• Establishing long-term trust with marginalised communities especially in rural areas
• Matching people with arts activities based on their clinical needs and preference
• Addressing the Rural-Urban Divide.

Through the sharing of practice, we can continue to raise awareness on the issues which need to be tackled in enhancing the well-being of Lincolnshire’s young people.

Co-creation

We continue to aid the advancement of Social Prescribing by hosting free workshops and talks that foster co-creation and successful examples of Social Prescribing. We encourage this at events such as ‘Pathways to tomorrow – What’s next in Social Prescribing’ (2024). This afternoon allowed delegates to engage with social prescribing activities which have been in action across Lincolnshire. Examples of some of the activities covered included a Nature Walk and a Gardening/Music/ Aerial or Drumming Workshop.

Additionally, Dr Robert Dean a prominent researcher at the University of Lincoln highlighted some of the social prescribing trends by presenting international case studies. These events are highly successful with 70 out of 144 tickets being reserved for this event specifically. By providing a space and a platform to allow practice and research to integrate we can continue to foster co-creation within Social Prescribing.

Sustainability and Legacy

As part of the Centre for Culture and Creativity (C4CC) we remain vigilant in our efforts to sustain the benefits that Social Prescribing offers our young people. We are hopeful to deliver lasting improvements in their wellbeing and community engagement. We continue to facilitate the spaces needed for the essential networking events between practitioners, academic researchers and young people. We aim to continue to host community activities that inspire innovation and curiosity. Ultimately, we remain committed in addressing the legacy of Social Prescribing for young people within Greater Lincolnshire.

*Centre for Culture and Creativity (C4CC) – The Centre is a home and catalyst for new approaches to cultural and creative programmes. These programmes are underpinned by world-class research and result in everyday impact for places, people, policy and practice, in Lincolnshire and beyond. The C4CC is part of the University of Lincoln’s commitment to, and investment in the civic and cultural life of the county, and the national and international conversation on creativity.