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Many things that affect our health can’t be treated by doctors or medicine alone - things like loneliness, debt, or stress due to financial pressures or poor housing. Social prescribing connects people to non-medical support that addresses these or other unmet needs, as a way of improving health and wellbeing.
Welcome to this special edition newsletter to highlight the incredible value of social prescribing across Greater Manchester.
Social prescribing has become a cornerstone of Greater Manchester’s health and care system and how we support people to live well in their communities. There are now 265 Social Prescribing Link Workers across Greater Manchester, supporting approximately 50,000 people each year. These skilled professionals are helping people navigate the complexities of health and social care, connecting them to local resources, activities, and support networks that make a real difference.
As we mark Social Prescribing Day on 19 March, it’s a moment to reflect on the progress made and the positive impact social prescribing has had across the region.
Please do share this to raise awareness of the work happening to support people.
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Charlotte Leonhardsen, Social Prescribing lead at NHS GM, said:
"As Greater Manchester moves forward with its ambition to ensure great everyday support is available in every neighbourhood through GM Live Well, social prescribing becomes an important part of the jigsaw.
“Social prescribing plays a key role in ensuring everyone has the support, control, connections, and resources to lead a healthy, happy life. Our workforce of link workers, connectors and navigators are essential in bridging between public services and community activities.
“We'll be working with partners across the region to expand social prescribing across public services, supporting the development of GM's neighbourhood prevention model. Social prescribing can help develop lasting partnerships between the voluntary sector and public services, supporting long-term investment into the voluntary sector to create thriving, connected, and resilient communities.
“As we celebrate Social Prescribing Day, let’s champion the vital role of social prescribing in Greater Manchester – connecting people, building communities, and transforming lives.”
Read more on the GM ICP website: Celebrating Social Prescribing Day on 19th March | Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership
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There is now clear evidence that social prescribing works. Connecting people to groups, services and activities in their communities, based on what matters to them, and addressing underlying social factors, including loneliness, isolation or problems with debt or housing, has been shown to improve people's wellbeing and reduce demand for health and care services.
The National Academy for Social Prescribing report, The Impact of Social Prescribing on Health Service Use and Costs: Examples of local evaluations in practice highlights the evidence that social prescribing services can lead to substantial reductions in avoidable GP appointments, hospital admissions and A&E attendances.
The report builds on an existing body of evidence that social prescribing directly improves people’s health, strengthens communities and offers value for money. This highlights a 42.2% reduction in GP appointments among 1,751 patients who accessed social prescribing in Tameside and Glossop.
The interim evaluation of Nature for Health, Greater Manchester's Green (nature-based) Social Prescribing programme reveals a significant increase in mental wellbeing among participants. This aligns with the positive findings from the national evaluation of Green Social Prescribing, which demonstrated an impressive social return on investment of £2.42 for every £1 invested.
This evidence review of children and young people's social prescribing is also worth a read: Children and young people's social prescribing - NASP evidence | NASP
Social prescribing teams from across GM have shared some of their highlights from the last year. A summary is below:
Early help for adults with the Big Life Group
The Early Help for Adults Partnership between The Big Life Group, Back On Track, and Shelter is designed to support Manchester adults experiencing multiple disadvantages. A team of navigators, a peer mentor coordinator and volunteers provide support that starts with what matters to people, and their strengths. The team supports, and advocates for, people through different services.
One person being supported through the partnership said:
“I am really happy with the help that I have received from you guys, it has really helped me mentally. Before you came and helped me, I was a mess, I just wanted to get out of this house, I would have taken a one bedroom with my children if I had to. Once you and your colleague came that first day you calmed me down and explained what else could be done for me. Since having the security equipment placed around my home the harassment has stopped, and I no longer feel like I need to move. I can now focus on finding a new job”.
Workplace health checks with Be Well
Be Well is doing workplace health checks across Manchester, as part of a national pilot.
These checks offer people an opportunity to have an NHS health check in the convenience of their workplace. Appointments take around 20-30 minutes with checks for blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes, and all results are given on the day. People can speak to the Be Well social prescribing team, who can help if they need any support with making positive changes to their lifestyle, to prevent and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Manchester City Council, The Big Life Group, Stagecoach, Wythenshawe Community Housing Trust and Northwest Ambulance Service have all taken up the offer so far.
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Proactive social prescribing through Wigan's Frailty Service
Wigan's ageing well team has two social prescribing link workers and one health and wellbeing coach connecting with over 65s who have been identified as frail. By talking and building a relationship, things are dealt with before more serious issues arise. It also means carers can be identified and supported with keeping well and being socially connected.
So far, most people have needed help with aids and adaptations, improving mobility, coordinating appointments, reducing isolation and loneliness, improving mental health and mood, and support with finances or bereavement.
Being visited in their own homes and then connected to wider support, services and activities, has had a positive impact on the health and happiness of these residents.
Spotlight on Ashton PCN
Social Prescribing Link Workers Jyoti McKellar and Tiff Schofield have been establishing social prescribing across Ashton PCN since May 2024 when the service was taken inhouse. They have supported over 300 people at 9 GP practices in that time.
Two people they have supported said:
“The help I received has helped me to not feel so hopeless in my current situation. I have plans to put in place now.”
“Thank you for caring and talking to me, it has really helped know there is so much support in Ashton.”
Jyoti said: "Through developing networks and relationships, we have been able to support an increasing number of people. Care Coordinators, GPs, Mental Health teams and people themselves contact us for help with mental health challenges and isolation, managing long term health conditions, wanting to increase physical activity, and money and housing issues. We've worked with about 40 voluntary organisations and are growing these partnerships. Our plan is to do some more drop in sessions and proactively contact patients. We're proud to be supporting people to have a better life."
Tiff said: "We are passionate about working within the community. I went to a coffee morning with a client and while there, found out about a new group called ‘Gabriel’s Guys’, a social group for men. Without attending this group, we may not have heard about it and now we can share that information online and within our extensive activity sheet. I also put a post on Facebook about the visit and it has been shared by a range of different organisations. We found a gap within services in Tameside for a Gambling Harms peer support group, so we are working with The Anthony Seddon Centre, CGL, Beacon Counselling Trust and Action Together to offer training and are hoping to set up a group in the next 6 months to offer face to face support to Tameside residents."
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Stockport shines a light on Brinnington social prescribing success
Stockport is shining a spotlight on local people and the difference a Wellbeing Prescription has made in their lives. From connecting with groups to building lasting friendships, the Wellness Prescription is transforming lives in Brinnington and beyond. The Wellbeing Prescription is an exercise focused social prescribing route for residents who are feeling low, lonely or needing a lifestyle change. It’s easy to access in the local community, people in Bramhall and Brinnington can simply complete a Wellbeing Prescription (a quick form) at their GP surgery, library or Life Leisure hub. The Wellbeing Prescription will soon be available to Offerton residents with plans to extend beyond this in the future.
Watch the Brinnington Wellbeing Prescription video here https://www.stockport.gov.uk/how-we-will-support-people-get-more-active
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Supporting children's mental health and wellbeing at Healthy Hyde
There are growing opportunities to support children and young people with long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and mental health challenges, through social prescribing. By providing person-centred support, social prescribing empowers young people to identify what matters to them and improve their health. This approach not only addresses immediate needs but also builds resilience and confidence for the future.
The Children’s Mental Health and Well-Being team at Healthy Hyde aims to build a positive rapport with children, giving them the chance to open up and discuss their mental health and well-being, whilst learning new strategies to deal with challenges they may face. This takes place in a fun and safe environment during school hours. You can learn more by watching a video here: Childrens Wellbeing Service | Healthy Hyde
Bolton GP Federation filling gaps in support
Bolton GP Federation is focusing on what is working well and how they can fill any gaps in services, so everyone gets the support they need. One example is a Friendship Cafe - which is now available for those who want to stay in touch with one another after sessions have ended. People form great peer support networks during activities, and Bolton GP Federation is offering gentle support, so people build the confidence to meet up again without the need for a link worker to be present. The GP Federation has applied for a small funding pot of £500 and hopes to role this out across other areas in collaboration with local cafes at the heart of communities.
This proactive approach to social prescribing aims to improve health outcomes, tackle health inequalities, and build a more connected, resilient community.
Chloe Jackson, Deputy Network Manager said:
"I encourage proactive social prescribing - identifying what is working well, the gaps in services, and the barriers we are facing within the primary care networks. Our aim is to overcome these challenges by looking at what community resources and networks exist and what individual strengths are. Prioritising vulnerable populations and ensuring that services are culturally appropriate is really important too. We're promoting learning and sharing across neighbourhoods, using data, patient feedback, and stories to celebrate success and identify areas for improvement."
In Greater Manchester, over 70 dedicated organisations, including Lancashire Wildlife Trust, Petrus, Groundwork, Northern Roots, START in Salford, and Manchester MIND, have been involved in providing a diverse range of nature-based activities. From therapeutic horticulture and gardening to conservation projects and mindful outdoor experiences, there's something for everyone. These programmes are not only improving mental wellbeing but also fostering a sense of community and belonging.
With spring approaching, we're excited to build on this momentum and expand the reach of Green Social Prescribing even further. Inspired by the success stories emerging from both the local and national evaluations, we're committed to connecting more people with the transformative power of nature. We anticipate the full local evaluation report will be available in the next few months, providing further insights into the positive impact of Green Social Prescribing in our communities.
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Blooming with confidence: Greater Manchester's Green Social Prescribing programme cultivates connection and wellbeing
Aiste, Pennine Care’s Care Coordinator, supported their patients on a 12-week Lancashire Wildlife Trust Nature and Wellbeing programme.
"Many of the patients we work with struggle with social isolation, which significantly impacts their mental health," Aiste explained. "This can lead to a decline in confidence and social skills, making it difficult to engage in meaningful activities and fostering a sense of isolation."
However, the Green Space sessions provided a vital antidote. Over the course of the programme, patients forged meaningful connections, building confidence and a strong sense of belonging. "They became comfortable in each other's company, which is crucial for their mental wellbeing."
The programme's impact extended beyond social connection. Each session focused on developing new skills, fostering an appreciation for the natural world. Sarah-Jane, who ran the sessions ensured an inclusive approach empowered participants. "She encouraged them to share ideas for future sessions, making them feel valued and heard. Her flexible approach ensured everyone got the most out of the experience."
The programme has inspired a lasting and sustainable change in participants' habits. "I've observed that they're spending significantly more time in nature independent of the programme, going for walks and noticing the wildlife around them. This increased physical activity is a wonderful outcome, and I'm confident these positive changes will continue to benefit them long after the programme's completion, improving their overall wellbeing."
The success of Greater Manchester's Green Social Prescribing programme, in collaboration with partners such as Lancashire Wildlife Trust and Pennine Care's Early Intervention Team, continues to blossom, offering a pathway to connection, confidence, and a renewed appreciation for the natural world.
You can read more here:
Michael's Story | Green Social Prescribing | Stockport
James' Story | Green Social Prescribing | Stockport
Photography and Nature | Green Social Prescribing
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Made by Mortals is launching its new free PDF resource on 31 March.
We know that many people experiencing loneliness, isolation, or who are feeling stuck turn to healthcare services for support, but lasting change can be challenging. Made by Mortals want to help by sharing the learnings from ‘STUCK’ - an interactive audio workshop co-produced with people with lived experience and community leaders.
This resource offers practical, community-led approaches to help people take small but meaningful steps forward. It’s designed for primary care professionals, voluntary sector workers, and social prescribers who want to support real, lasting change.
We’d like to invite you, and your partners and networks, to sign up to receive the resource here when it launches. Please do share.
“The important thing is to start to connect with others.”
“I know I’m unstuck because I keep on finding a smile on my face.”
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Social prescribing is built on collaboration, shared learning, and supporting individuals holistically—and that’s exactly what the GM frontline workforce peer support network is all about.
In our last update, we shared news of the network expanding beyond personalised care roles to welcome a wider frontline workforce. Since then, two introductory sessions have successfully brought together people working with people facing multiple disadvantages. More information is available here: Welcome session GM Network Feb2025.pdf
This growing network provides a space for frontline colleagues to:
✔️ Connect and share experiences through case-based discussions
✔️ Learn from each other’s roles to strengthen cross-sector working
✔️ Enhance collaboration across the region
If you're celebrating Social Prescribing Day online, please do tag us on social media - we'd love to see what you're doing:
#GMLiveWell
#SocialPrescribingDay
X: @GMPandC, @NHS_GM, @GM_ICP
LinkedIn: NHS GM
FaceBook: NHSGreaterManchester, GreaterManchesterIntegratedCarePartnership
Instagram: gm_icp, nhs_gm
Thank you!
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