Six out of Gloucestershire’s seven localities are now running social prescribing pilot schemes to support people who go to their GP surgery, but who do not necessarily require medical care.

As a result of close partnership working between the CCG, local councils, Gloucestershire Care Services NHS Trust and a range of voluntary and community organisations, hundreds of patients are now being supported to connect to services and groups that can help improve their well-being and meet their wider needs.

Social prescribing supports people with issues such as loneliness, low level mental health, healthy living and coping with caring responsibilities.

Although every locality has established a scheme or has a plan in place to do so, the approach varies depending on local circumstances. For example some localities have established social prescribing hubs, while others are using local area co-ordinators.

Evaluation of the pilot schemes will inform future development of the service.