Social Prescribing for Children and Young People
If you are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or just need a bit of direction, Social Prescribing is a practical, non-clinical way to help you take control of your health, wellbeing, and happiness.
We start with what matters most to you. We are here to help you connect with activities, such as local groups, hobbies and sports, access specialist help with things like your mental health or school challenges, and work through practical problems impacting your life.
This exciting new service is delivered in partnership by CVS Lincolnshire and IMP Primary Care Network, specifically for young people aged 11 to 17.
What is Social Prescribing for Children and Young People?
Social Prescribing is a non-clinical and practical way of tackling issues affecting young people’s health by addressing the root causes of poor wellbeing and enabling children and young people to live healthier, more fulfilling lives. It can also provide valuable support for young people living with physical health conditions, including diabetes and obesity.
This project will align with and contribute to the ambitions of the emerging Lincoln Youth Strategy, helping to build momentum for a coordinated, preventative approach to improving outcomes for children and young people.
Common Referral Categories
Common referral categories for children and young people Social Prescribing include
Referral Information
This Children and Young People Social Prescribing service is currently being delivered as a pilot programme and is only available to young people aged between 11-17 years and are registered with one of the IMP PCN GP practices listed below.
- Abbey Medical Centre
- Cliff House Medical Practice
- Glebe Park Surgery
- Ingham Surgery (The)
- Lindum Medical Practice
- Minster Medical Practice
- Nettleham Medical Practice
- Welton Family Health Centre
- Willingham-by-Stow Surgery
Please check the young person's GP registration before completing either of the two referral forms below.
Referrals for young people who are not registered with a participating practice listed above are not currently eligible for this service and cannot be accepted.
What is the Evidence for Children and Young People’s Social Prescribing?
While Social Prescribing has historically been more focused on adults, there is growing evidence for its impact specifically on children and young people. Our 2023 evidence review suggested that social prescribing can:
- Benefit personal and mental wellbeing and reduce loneliness
- Provide a favourable return on investment
More recent research from Barnardo’s shows positive outcomes for young people participating in their LINK Cumbria social prescribing service and suggests a benefit to the Government and wider economy of around £1.80 for every £1 invested.
University College London’s Wellbeing While Waiting project focused on Social Prescribing support for young people on mental health waiting lists. It showed that Social Prescribing can improve resilience and reduce total reported difficulties.
The National Association for Social Prescribing are also supporting the INACT programme, which focuses on Social Prescribing in schools; and the University of Exeter’s Choices project, which looks at other pathways.
Contact our Social Prescribing Team
If you would like to speak to our Social Prescribing team to get more information on Children and Young People Social Prescribing, please call us on 01522 551683 or send us an email.
