Exploring the value of social prescribing
/This article was featured in the SCDC Weekly - 16th September 2026
A new consultation aims to assess the role social prescribing plays in supporting Scotland’s health and wellbeing.
Social prescribing helps people find and access local support, activities and services in their community that can improve their health and wellbeing, often through a GP referral.
The consultation is seeking to understand public awareness, perceptions, and experiences of social prescribing, and to use these insights to inform and strengthen the development of the national social prescribing framework.
Currently being developed by the Scottish Government, this framework aims to make it easier to connect people with the right support and community-led activities for them.
Community organisations play a key role in social prescribing, often being able to offer support and resources, as well as signposting to other relevant services and information.
However, with community organisations facing continued pressure around resourcing and demand, there are key questions about whether they can continue providing this type of support - and how equally social prescribing is available across our communities.
The consultation closes on 24 September.