Social Prescribing in Hertfordshire: Connecting People with Support Beyond Healthcare
When we think about health and wellbeing, medical treatment is only part of the picture. Loneliness, social isolation, financial worries, bereavement, housing concerns, and a lack of community connections can all have a significant impact on a person's physical and mental health. This is where social prescribing can make a real difference.
What is Social Prescribing?
Social prescribing is an approach that helps people access non-medical support within their local community. Rather than focusing solely on medical treatments, social prescribing looks at the wider factors affecting a person's wellbeing and helps connect them with activities, groups, services, and organisations that can improve their quality of life.
A social prescribing referral may lead to support with:
Loneliness and social isolation
Physical activity and exercise groups
Arts and creative activities
Volunteering opportunities
Bereavement support
Carer support services
Financial and benefits advice
Housing concerns
Community groups and clubs
Nature-based and outdoor activities
Social prescribing is often delivered through a Social Prescribing Link Worker, Community Navigator, or similar professional who takes time to understand what matters most to the individual and helps create a personalised plan for support.
How Does Social Prescribing Work in Hertfordshire?
Hertfordshire has a well-established social prescribing network through the Hospital and Community Navigation Service (HCNS) and HertsHelp. These services work alongside GP practices, hospitals, voluntary organisations, and community groups across the county to help people remain independent, connected, and well supported.
The service can provide practical and emotional support, help people find local activities, connect them with specialist organisations, and support safe transitions from hospital back into the community.
Who Can Benefit?
Social prescribing is available to people of all ages, but it can be particularly valuable for:
Older adults experiencing loneliness or reduced mobility
People living with long-term health conditions
Family carers
People affected by bereavement
Individuals experiencing low-level anxiety or depression
Those who need support to rebuild confidence and independence
Anyone whose wellbeing is being affected by social or practical challenges rather than medical issues alone
For many older people, having regular social contact, meaningful activities, and access to community support can be just as important as medical care in maintaining their wellbeing.
Why Is Social Prescribing Important?
Research and evaluations carried out in Hertfordshire have shown that social prescribing can have positive benefits for individuals, families, carers, healthcare professionals, and community organisations. It helps address the wider factors that influence health, often referred to as the social determinants of health.
By helping people become more connected, active, and supported, social prescribing can:
Improve wellbeing and confidence
Reduce loneliness and isolation
Support independence
Help people manage long-term conditions more effectively
Strengthen local community connections
Reduce pressure on health and care services
How to Access Social Prescribing in Hertfordshire
Many people are referred through their GP practice, Primary Care Network, hospital team, or other health and care professionals. However, support may also be available through direct contact with local navigation and community support services.
Useful Hertfordshire Resources
HertsHelp
A central point of contact for finding support, advice, and social prescribing services across Hertfordshire.
🌐 https://www.hertshelp.net
📞 0300 123 4044
Hospital and Community Navigation Service (HCNS)
Supports people across Hertfordshire to access practical, emotional, and community-based support.
🌐 https://www.hcns.org.uk/ [hcns.org.uk]
Hertfordshire Directory
A comprehensive directory of local services, groups, activities, and support organisations.
🌐 https://directory.hertfordshire.gov.uk/ [supportedl...ire.gov.uk], [directory....ire.gov.uk]
National Sources of Information
NHS England: Social Prescribing
🌐 https://www.england.nhs.uk/personalisedcare/social-prescribing/ [england.nhs.uk]
The King's Fund: What is Social Prescribing?
🌐 https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight-and-analysis/long-reads/social-prescribing [kingsfund.org.uk]
UK Government: Social Prescribing Guidance
🌐 https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/social-prescribing-applying-all-our-health/social-prescribing-applying-all-our-health [gov.uk]
Supporting Wellbeing Through Community Connections
At Nannies 4 Grannies, we see every day how important community, companionship, and meaningful activities are for maintaining health and wellbeing. Social prescribing recognises that good health is about much more than medical treatment alone. By helping people access local activities, support networks, and community services, it can empower individuals to live fuller, healthier, and more connected lives.
Whether you are seeking support for yourself, a family member, or someone you care for, social prescribing offers a valuable pathway to finding the right support at the right time. 💜