A short history of social prescribing
Social prescribing connects people with community activities, groups and services that help with the practical, emotional and social needs affecting their health and wellbeing.
As a recognised approach, it grew out of UK general practice and community organisations, and became national NHS policy in 2019. This timeline also traces the Social Prescribing Qualification (SPQ), delivered since 2019 by Conexus Healthcare CIC, the Bromley by Bow Centre and the University of East London.
Open any milestone for more detail and its sources. Numbered references link to the full list at the end.
Beyond the UK
The modern term and model are widely regarded as a UK innovation. Similar approaches now exist in many countries under names such as community referral, green prescribing and community navigation. Programmes are being developed in places including Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea and the United States.