Resources & Publications

Global Resources supporting Social Prescribing with children, young people and families.

Quicklinks

Programs

Social Prescribing for Young Children - Programs

United Kingdom

The Social Prescribing Team at Lift Islington provides free, tailored support to young people aged 13 to 21 in Islington who may be experiencing challenges such as isolation, low self-esteem, or school-related stress. Through activities like fitness sessions, cooking classes, creative workshops, and sports, the team helps individuals build confidence, connect with others, and enhance their wellbeing. Social Prescribers meet young people in comfortable community spaces and offer personalised mentorship to meet their unique needs.

Wellbeing While Waiting (‘INSPYRE’)
Social Biobehavioural Research Group (SBRG)
The 'Wellbeing While Waiting' project, also known as 'INSPYRE', is a research initiative by the Social Biobehavioural Research Group at University College London. It aims to develop and evaluate a social prescribing care pathway for young people aged 12 to 18 who are on waiting lists for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). The project seeks to connect these individuals to non-medical community support, such as skills development, peer support, and cultural activities, to prevent deterioration in mental
health during waiting periods. The study is conducted in three phases: co-designing the pathway, running a controlled trial to assess its impact, and developing an implementation model for broader application across NHS sites. The project is funded by the Prudence Trust, British Academy, and Wellcome Trust, with Dr Daisy Fancourt serving as the Principal Investigator.

Canada

Introduction to Social Prescribing for Children and Young People
National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP)
This YouTube video provides an overview of social prescribing for children and young people, explaining how it connects individuals to non-clinical services such as community activities, arts programs, and peer support groups. The presentation highlights the benefits of social prescribing in improving mental health, reducing social isolation, and fostering wellbeing. It features insights from practitioners, link workers, and young people
who have benefited from these interventions, showcasing the transformative potential of social prescribing.

The Impact of Social Prescribing on Children and Young People's Health and Wellbeing:
Evidence Review
National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP)
This evidence review explores the role of social prescribing in improving the health and wellbeing of children and young people. It synthesises existing research, highlighting positive outcomes such as improved mental health, reduced loneliness, and enhanced social connections. The review also identifies challenges, including the need for better outcome measurement and interagency collaboration. Recommendations are provided to optimise social prescribing for younger populations and to guide future research, policy, and practice.

INcreasing AdolesCent social and community supporT (INACT)
Social Biobehavioural Research Group (SBRG)
The INACT program is a Canadian initiative aimed at enhancing the mental health and wellbeing of young people by fostering stronger connections between schools and local community resources. Recognizing that many adolescents experience loneliness and low community engagement, which can adversely affect their mental health and academic performance, INACT seeks to develop effective pathways for social prescribing and community signposting.

Ireland

Social Prescribing for Children and Young People: A Growing Opportunity to Enhance
Wellbeing
All-Ireland Social Prescribing Network
The All-Ireland Social Prescribing Network highlights the growing opportunity for social prescribing to improve the wellbeing of children and young people. By connecting them to non-clinical activities such as arts, sports, and peer support, social prescribing addresses social determinants of health, fosters inclusion, and supports mental health. The blog advocates for expanding these initiatives in Ireland to tackle rising rates of anxiety and depression in younger populations, inspired by global examples of successful implementation.

SPACE – The First Social Prescribing Service Specifically Designed for Young People in Ireland
All-Ireland Social Prescribing Network
The Social Prescribing & Creative Empowerment Project for Young People (SPACE) is Ireland's inaugural social prescribing service tailored for individuals aged 11 to 18. Based at the Maple Youth Centre in Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo, SPACE offers a non-clinical, early intervention approach to youth mental health and wellbeing. The programme empowers young people by amplifying their voices, fostering confidence, reducing isolation, and building resilience. Initially piloted in 2022 by Tacú Family Resource Centre, SPACE has secured funding from Rethink Ireland's HeadStart Fund to continue its innovative support for youth mental health.

Social Prescribing for Young Children - Toolkit

Children and Young People’s Social Prescribing Toolkit
StreetGames and NHS England
This toolkit is a practical resource designed to support the implementation of social
prescribing for children and young people. It provides guidance for link workers,
healthcare professionals, and community organisations on how to tailor social prescribing
services to meet the unique needs of younger populations. The toolkit includes case
studies, practical examples, and step-by-step processes for integrating social prescribing
into existing healthcare and community frameworks. It also emphasises collaboration
between stakeholders to maximise the impact on mental health, wellbeing, and social
inclusion.

Social Prescribing Youth Network - Special Interest Groups

The Social Prescribing Youth Network (SPYN)

Social Prescribing Network
The Social Prescribing Youth Network (SPYN) is a UK-based initiative advocating for equitable access to social prescribing services for children and young people. Coordinated by StreetGames, SPYN connects professionals across sectors - including link workers, community organisations, and healthcare providers - to promote non-clinical interventions that enhance youth wellbeing. Since its launch in 2018, SPYN has achieved significant milestones, such as winning the 'Children & Young People Now' Award in 2021 and delivering a £900,000 pilot programme across multiple cities. Membership is free, offering updates on developments, resources, funding, and training opportunities.

Social Prescribing ideas in schools for learning differences

Green Social Prescribing for Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
PaediatricFOAM
This article, authored by Dr Hannah Steedman, explores the role of green social prescribing in enhancing the wellbeing of young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). It discusses how nature-based interventions, such as gardening clubs and nature walks, can improve physical and mental health. The piece also addresses challenges like accessibility and the importance of inclusive practices, while highlighting the potential benefits in motivation, engagement, and social skills development for this group.

Social Prescribing for Children and Young People with Neurodisability and Their Families
Initiated in a Hospital Setting
BMJ Open
This systematic review, authored by Katie Gordon, Laura Gordon, and Dr Anna Purna Basu from Newcastle University, examines social prescribing interventions for children and young people with neurodisabilities, initiated within hospital settings. It explores how these interventions address unmet needs, enhance wellbeing, and support families. The study evaluates the effectiveness of social prescribing in improving outcomes and provides insights into its application in healthcare environments for neurodiverse
populations.

Building Bridges: Social Prescribing with People with Learning Disabilities and Autistic
People
National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi)
This research project, conducted by the NDTi as part of the Health and Wellbeing Alliance, explores the experiences of individuals with learning disabilities and autistic people who have engaged with social prescribing, as well as the perspectives of social prescribers and link workers. The study highlights the diverse benefits of social prescribing in reducing health inequalities and fostering social connections by linking individuals to community groups and support services. It underscores the importance of inclusive practices and offers recommendations for link workers, community organisations, commissioners, and
GPs to enhance the effectiveness of social prescribing for these populations.

Three Ways Social Prescribing Helps Children and Young People
Barnardo's
Authored by Becky Rice, Senior Policy Advisor on Mental Health and Wellbeing at Barnardo’s, this blog post explores the benefits of social prescribing for children and young people. It highlights how connecting them to activities, groups, and services can improve mental health, enhance school attendance, and foster a sense of community belonging. The article draws on findings from Barnardo's report, ‘The Missing Link: Social Prescribing for Children and Young People,’ and shares insights from the Cumbria LINK service, which has supported over 500 individuals aged 5–19 since March 2020.

The Missing Link: Social Prescribing for Children and Young People
Barnardo's
This report examines the benefits of social prescribing as an early intervention for children and young people's mental health. It combines current evidence with insights from Barnardo's Cumbria LINK service, which has supported over 500 individuals aged 5–19 since March 2020. The report highlights improvements in mental health and wellbeing among participants and advocates for a national strategy to ensure all children and young people have access to social prescribing services.

Other ideas for social prescribing and young children

Additional Resources

What Matters to You? Activity 4-11 years old
Children's Mental Health Week (Place2Be)
This activity, developed by Place2Be's Art Room team, helps children aged 4–11 explore what matters most to them. Designed to encourage self-expression and emotional awareness, the activity involves creating a simple artwork where children represent themselves and the things that are important to them. It aims to foster conversations about values, relationships, and feelings, providing an accessible way for families to support children's mental health and wellbeing.

Pleasant Activity Calendar for Kids – Infographic
Kids in Transition to School (KITS)
This infographic, developed by the KITS Program, encourages children to focus on daily activities that bring them joy. By identifying and engaging in pleasant activities, children can enhance their wellbeing and develop a positive outlook. The calendar serves as a tool for families to integrate these moments into daily routines, fostering gratitude and emotional awareness.

Social Prescribing: Good Practice Guide
National Children's Bureau (NCB) in Partnership with NHS England
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of best practices for implementing social prescribing across diverse communities. It highlights key principles, case studies, and practical recommendations for link workers, community organisations, and healthcare providers. The guide aims to ensure equitable access to social prescribing services, improve collaboration between stakeholders, and enhance outcomes for individuals by addressing social determinants of health.

Children and Young People's Social Prescribing: New Evidence Review
National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP)
This evidence review, commissioned by NHS England and conducted by NASP's academic partners, examines the impact of social prescribing on the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people. The review indicates emerging benefits, particularly for those over 17, including improvements in personal wellbeing and reductions in loneliness. It also highlights challenges such as interagency collaboration
and information sharing. Alongside the review, a survey of professionals involved in social prescribing for this age group was conducted, revealing that most services cater to 12–18-year-olds and are delivered in schools and community settings. The findings underscore the importance of tailored approaches to effectively implement social prescribing for younger populations.

Social Prescribing in Children and Young People: Evidence Review
UCL Evidence-Based Practice Unit (EBPU)
This detailed review explores the current evidence surrounding social prescribing for children and young people. It evaluates its impact on mental health, wellbeing, and social inclusion, while identifying gaps in research and practice. The review highlights promising interventions, including arts-based activities, physical exercise, and peer support programs. Key challenges include measuring outcomes effectively and integrating social prescribing into existing systems. Recommendations are provided to guide policymakers, practitioners, and researchers in optimising social prescribing for younger populations.

HeadStart Report: Social Prescribing and Young People
National Children's Bureau (NCB)
This report, developed under the HeadStart programme, examines the use of social prescribing to support young people's mental health and wellbeing. It highlights key findings from HeadStart partnerships across the UK, showcasing examples of successful interventions. The report explores how social prescribing can address challenges such as social isolation, low confidence, and mental health difficulties by linking young people to community activities and resources. Recommendations include improving service accessibility, tailoring interventions to young people’s needs, and fostering collaboration between healthcare and community sectors.