24 March 2026
How Social Prescribing Is Improving Lives Across Hampshire
This National Social Prescribing Day (March 26) is a reminder that many of the factors affecting our health can’t be treated by medicine alone.
Issues such as loneliness, anxiety, financial worries or long-term health conditions can have a huge impact on people’s wellbeing. While doctors and healthcare professionals play a vital role in supporting patients, sometimes the most effective support comes from connecting people with their communities. That’s where social prescribing comes in.
Social prescribing helps people access activities and support within their local area – from gardening groups and art classes to walking groups, volunteering opportunities and community projects. These activities can improve both mental and physical health while helping people feel more connected and supported.
Connecting people to the support they need
Every year, more than one million people in England are referred to community activities through social prescribing. Instead of receiving only clinical treatment, patients can be supported with the wider challenges that affect their health, including loneliness, grief, housing, employment or financial pressures.
Patients are usually referred by their GP or healthcare professional to a social prescriber, sometimes called a link worker. Social prescribers work with individuals to understand what matters to them and help create a personalised plan that connects them with the right support in their community.
Across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, around 90 social prescribers are working alongside healthcare services to help people access these opportunities.
A growing movement in healthcare
In 2019, the NHS committed to rolling out social prescribing across GP surgeries in England. Since then, the approach has become a key part of personalised care within the health system.
Research continues to show the positive impact it can have. A 2025 study published in The Lancet Public Health found that 5.5 million GP consultations have led to social prescribing referrals since the national rollout began.
Another large survey from the University of Manchester, analysing more than 4.1 million patient responses, found that social prescribing helped people feel less isolated, more confident managing long-term conditions and better supported by local services. Many also reported a better overall experience with their GP and felt their mental health needs were more understood.
Strengthening communities through partnership
At Community First, we support social prescribing through a network of local organisations, volunteers and community groups that help people improve their wellbeing and independence.
While people should always contact their GP when they are unwell, there are many situations where community-based support can make a meaningful difference alongside medical care.
We work closely with partners across the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Social Prescribing Network, which brings together more than 550 members who deliver, commission or support social prescribing projects across the region. The network is funded by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care System and provides opportunities to share learning, strengthen partnerships and improve access to support for local communities.
Community services making a difference
Through social prescribing, people can be referred to a wide range of services designed to support wellbeing and connection. Here is just some of what Community First offers for example:
Health Walks
Walking groups in Fareham, Gosport, the New Forest and Winchester that help people improve their fitness, enjoy time outdoors and connect with others at a comfortable pace.
Supported Volunteering
Positive Pathways in Havant and Community Spirit Gosport are both programmes supporting people who have a disability, mental health challenges or other barriers to volunteering or employment.
Sexual Abuse Counselling
START is a confidential service providing specialist counselling and support for anyone who has experienced sexual abuse, assault or trauma.
Looking ahead
As awareness of social prescribing continues to grow, so does the recognition that strong communities are essential to improving health and wellbeing.
By connecting people with local support, activities and opportunities, social prescribing helps individuals live healthier, more independent lives while strengthening communities across Hampshire.
This National Social Prescribing Day, it’s an opportunity to celebrate the people, volunteers and organisations working every day to make that possible.