There’s a quiet shift happening in how we think about health — and it’s one we’re proud to be part of.
For many people, the challenges affecting their wellbeing don’t start in a clinic. They begin in everyday life — with housing concerns, financial pressures, loneliness, or long-term conditions that can feel overwhelming. These are not problems a prescription alone can fix, but they are exactly where Social Prescribing makes a difference.
Across Birmingham and Solihull, we’ve seen this impact grow steadily. Since April, 4,969 referrals have been made into our Social Prescribing service, connecting people to practical support, community organisations and local resources that can help them move forward. Behind each referral is a person navigating something complex — and often finding, for the first time, that someone is there to listen.
This matters, because we know that around 1 in 5 GP appointments are linked to non-medical needs — things like isolation, debt, housing, or social challenges. Without the right support, these issues don’t go away; they build, and they begin to affect both physical and mental health.
That’s where our Social Prescribing Link Workers come in.
Their role is to offer time, space and personalised support — working alongside individuals to understand what’s really going on and helping them access the right help. This might mean connecting someone to housing support, financial advice, community groups, counselling services, or specialist organisations such as Citizens Advice, Shelter, or Age UK. It’s a holistic approach that recognises that health is shaped by far more than medicine alone.
And it works.
National evaluations show that Social Prescribing can reduce GP appointments by up to 28% and A&E attendances by 24%, while the vast majority of people who engage report improvements in their wellbeing, confidence and ability to manage daily life. It’s also estimated that for every £1 invested, Social Prescribing can generate between £3 and £7 in social value — a powerful reflection of both its human and economic impact.
Locally, we’ve continued to strengthen how we deliver this support. Our service now spans all Primary Care Networks across Birmingham and Solihull, with North Solihull thoughtfully split into two localities to better respond to the needs of the population. The addition of a new Service Lead has supported a more joined-up approach across a growing caseload, ensuring consistency and coordination as demand increases.
We’ve also invested in our workforce, with all Social Prescribing Link Workers trained as Mental Health First Aiders. This strengthens our trauma-informed approach and ensures we are better equipped to support people facing complex and sensitive challenges.
Partnership working remains at the heart of everything we do. Over the past year, we’ve deepened our collaboration with organisations including Shelter Birmingham, Birmingham & Solihull Women’s Aid, Age UK Birmingham, Turn2us, Citizens Advice and the Carers Trust. These partnerships mean we can respond more quickly and effectively — connecting people to the right support without unnecessary delays.
Importantly, Social Prescribing is not just about referrals — it’s about connection.
Through community days in GP surgeries, carers’ events, local groups like the Solihull Arts and Crafts sessions, and regular drop-ins at Elmwood Family Hub, we’re helping to create spaces where people can feel welcomed, supported, and part of something again. In a time where loneliness affects millions across the UK, these moments of connection matter more than ever.
Looking ahead, we are continuing to strengthen how we deliver and demonstrate this work. The introduction of a new case management system (Plinth) in 2025/26 will enhance how we capture data, improve quality assurance, and better evidence the impact Social Prescribing is having across our communities.
Because for us, Social Prescribing is not just about services — it’s about people.
It’s about recognising that health is shaped by everyday life, and ensuring that no one has to face those challenges alone.
And as demand continues to grow, we know one thing for certain: the role of Social Prescribing has never been more important.
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