The short guide:

Provides an overview of what Social Prescribing is;

• Explains how it can help unpaid carers
• Sets out how local carer organisations can get involved
• Highlights good practice in social prescribing for unpaid
• Links organisations to other helpful resources

Carers Trust worked with DHSC, NHS England, Carers UK, and two local carer support organisations – Sunderland Carers and Sefton Carers – to develop the information resource.

Social Prescribing connects people to practical, social and emotional community support, through Social Prescribing link workers, who are based in GP practices and the VCSE and take referrals from all local agencies. It helps people get more control over their healthcare, to manage their needs and in a way that suits them. It can especially help people who:

• have one or more long-term conditions.
• need support with their mental health.
• are lonely or isolated.
• have complex social needs which affect their wellbeing.