Green and blue prescribing delivers what is often described as a “double return on investment”. People benefit directly through improved wellbeing, confidence and social connection. At the same time, these activities support the natural environment. Individuals who engage in green prescribing often become more environmentally aware and more likely to adopt positive behaviours such as recycling, protecting wildlife or improving local biodiversity. Small personal actions – like creating hedgehog pathways between gardens – can add up to meaningful change.

Social prescribing is particularly valuable for people living with long-term conditions or those recovering from serious illness. For example, cancer rehabilitation, which is why HMVCG’s involvement in the SPACE project is so important! After treatment such as chemotherapy or radiotherapy, many people experience fatigue, muscle weakness, emotional distress and a loss of identity beyond their illness. Green and blue prescribing can help people gradually rebuild strength, energy and confidence, while also reconnecting socially. These activities shift the focus away from illness alone and help people rediscover themselves as individuals within a community.

Another area where social prescribing has shown strong impact is in dementia care, while there is no cure, social connection is critical. Loneliness and isolation are known to accelerate cognitive decline. Connecting people with dementia to peer groups, community activities and shared experiences can slow progression, improve quality of life and provide vital support for carers. Supporting carers is equally important, as they are at high risk of exhaustion and burnout. When both patients and carers are supported, outcomes improve for everyone.

Social prescribing also helps break down silos within health and care systems. Instead of isolated professionals working separately, it encourages communities of practice that bring together clinicians, social prescribers, community organisations and voluntary groups. This collaborative approach allows different types of expertise to work together, identifying solutions that a single specialist might not see on their own.

So why should you be interested in social prescribing? Because it empowers you. It gives you permission to ask different questions when you visit your GP, such as: “Are there non-medical options that could help me?” or “Can I speak to a social prescriber?” It recognises that health is shaped by where and how we live, not just by medication.

You don’t always need a referral to get involved. Many green and social prescribing activities allow self-referral, and local voluntary and community organisations can help you explore what’s available in your area. Whether it’s volunteering, gardening, creative activity or simply spending time outdoors with others, social prescribing opens up new ways to support your wellbeing.

Contact HMVCG info@hmvcg-cic.org.uk to find out what’s being organised in Heaton Mersey or to be added to our mailing list so you don’t miss out on the opportunity to get involved, and improve your own wellbeing too!

In short, social prescribing complements medical care by addressing the social and environmental factors that influence health. It’s personalised, holistic and grounded in real life – helping people not just to manage illness, but to live well.

[1] Heaton Mersey is part of a Primary Care Network with Heaton Moor, serving around 30,000–50,000 patients. Some services are shared across practices, so you may be asked to visit Heaton Moor. Social prescribers may also be called community navigators or connectors.