Social Prescribing: A Key Model for Addressing Health, Work, and Economic Inactivity

The NHS Confederation’s recent report, “Improving our Nation’s Health: A Whole-of-Government Approach to Tackling the Causes of Long-Term Sickness and Economic Inactivity,” highlights the transformative potential of social prescribers, particularly in employment support and addressing unmet social needs to drive economic activity. This is music to the ears!

As Chief Executive of the National Association of Link Workers (NALW) and a public health academic, I am deeply aware of the missed opportunities and frustrations faced by Social Prescribing Link Workers (SPLWs) and those they support. It is disheartening to see a system that often fails to embrace holistic solutions, instead reacting only when crises arise. This reactive approach fosters a culture of lack of value for prevention and psychosocial needs, where unmet needs are neglected until they become urgent. The recent slight decrease in SPLW recruitment within Primary Care Networks only exacerbates these concerns. Now, more than ever, it is crucial to expand the role of SPLWs and fully acknowledge their value in addressing these pressing national issues.

While some progress has been made, it’s concerning that the number of SPLWs recruited through Primary Care Networks (PCNs) has been slightly decreasing. Given the scale of the challenges we face—rising economic inactivity and long-term sickness—this decline is alarming. We need to address these issues with greater urgency and ensure that the recruitment of SPLWs matches the growing demand for their services.

Timeline of Key Contributions and Collaborative Efforts

To illustrate the progress made and ongoing potential of social prescribing, I will outline some key moments in NALW’s work and health journey:

2019: DWP Deal Conference
I was invited to speak at the DWP Deal Conference, hosted by the Group Director for Work and Health Services in London and Essex. I discussed how working with social prescribing link workers, can improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and long-term health conditions. This marked the beginning of a concerted effort to meaningfully align health and work.
2022: Outreach to Job Centres
Recognizing the untapped potential of integrating SPLWs within employment services, we reached out to several job centres. A Senior Employment Advisor showed keen interest in collaborating with SPLWs and Disability Employer Advisors to improve outcomes for clients. This initiative reflected a growing recognition that health and employment are interconnected. By supporting DWP clients holistically, we can reduce inequalities, improve health outcomes, and enhance employment opportunities. At NALW, we are interested in training and supporting DWP clients into employment as SPLWs. We are committed to widening participation and value lived experience within our profession!
2024: National Conference with Dr. Shriti Pattani OBE
In May 2024, I invited Dr. Shriti Pattani OBE, a clinical director and national occupational health expert, to speak at our conference on enhancing work and health through social prescribing. Drawing from her extensive experience, Dr. Pattani highlighted the underestimated value of SPLWs in both the public and private sectors. Her insights demonstrated how SPLWs play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between work and health, addressing challenges before they escalate.
2024: Fit note reform. As part of NALW’s response to the Fit Note Reform consultation, we emphasized the need for more holistic assessments and proactive follow-ups. SPLWs are instrumental in ensuring individuals receive comprehensive support, preventing long-term sickness absence, and facilitating a smoother return-to-work process.
2024: Work and Health related round tables and interviews

The Time to Act is Now

The challenges our healthcare and employment systems face—including rising economic inactivity and long-term sickness—demand a proactive and holistic approach. SPLWs are crucial to this solution, and the momentum generated by reports like the NHS Confederation’s should be acted upon.

To address the complex and interconnected needs of our population, national policy commitment, increased recruitment of Social Prescribing Link Workers (SPLWs), and cross-sector collaboration are essential. SPLWs must be recognized as a vital NHS career, crucial for tackling the social determinants of health and improving health outcomes. Our members have expressed a strong need for formal accreditation and standardised training, supported by NHS England, to ensure SPLWs can effectively fulfil their critical roles. I urge the government to support SPLWs as they are integral to delivering on their mandate.

We can no longer afford to underestimate the importance of SPLWs. The slight decrease in SPLW recruitment through PCNs highlights the urgency of scaling up these efforts to effectively address national challenges. Let’s bridge the gap between work and health by creating a system that supports individuals holistically, enabling them to lead healthier, more productive lives. At the National Association of Link Workers, we stand ready to collaborate and deliver the necessary changes.

Christiana Melam MBE is the CEO of the National Association of Link Workers

References

Dr. Shriti Pattani OBE’s work and reflections at the 2024 conference: Link to video.
WorkWell initiative, which influenced local system partnerships: WorkWell prospectus.
National Association of Link Workers – 2024 Link Worker Day Event with Dr. Shriti Pattani OBE: LinkWorkerDay Event.
NALW Response to Fit Note Reform: call for evidence.
Improving our nation’s health: a whole-of-government approach to tackling the causes of long-term sickness and economic inactivity, September 2024: NHS Confederation Report.
NALW Members back motion on accredited register and standardised training. Press release
NHS Health Careers: Social Prescribing Link Workers
Chief Executive Officer Christiana Melam MBE and Chairman Robert Pettigrew letter to Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Rt. Hon. Wes Streeting MP