Social prescribing is a way of connecting people with community activities, groups and practical support. If you feel lonely and are unsure where to start locally, you can ask your GP practice whether a social prescribing link worker could help you explore the options.
The word “prescribing” can sound medical, but this is about non-medical support. It does not mean you have to join a particular club, and it does not replace assessment or treatment when you need healthcare. This guide explains the approach, questions you can ask and what to prepare before a conversation.
What is social prescribing?
NHS England describes social prescribing as connecting people with local activities and services that address practical, social and emotional needs. A link worker takes time to understand what matters to the individual and helps develop a plan with them.
For someone experiencing loneliness, the starting point might be wanting regular company, rebuilding a routine or finding an activity that is accessible. Another person may need help reaching an advice service because a practical problem makes social participation difficult.
The route is not limited to older people or people living alone. Your local service can explain whom it supports, how referrals work and what is available in your area. This article mainly draws on NHS England guidance; arrangements and terminology may differ elsewhere in the UK.
How do I ask my GP about it?
The NHS loneliness guidance suggests asking your GP about social prescribing. You could say: “I have been feeling lonely and would like help finding local support. Can I speak with a social prescribing link worker?”
You can also ask the practice team what the local process is and whether a GP appointment is needed for a referral. Some services have other referral routes, so do not assume you must use the same route as a friend in another area.
If you also need medical help, say so clearly. Asking about social prescribing should not hide a concern about persistent low mood, anxiety, sleep or other symptoms. A useful opening can include both: “I would like to discuss my health, and I would also like to know about community support.”
What does a link worker do?
NHS England’s description of link workers includes connecting people with community support and services such as housing, financial and welfare advice. Their role is broader than handing over a list of social clubs.
You can explain what you hope to change and what makes access difficult. They may help identify relevant organisations, explore suitable activities and work with you on next steps. Ask what follow-up the particular service offers; do not assume a set number of appointments or that someone can accompany you everywhere.
It is reasonable to ask: “What will you do, and what will I need to do myself?” Having that clear can make the difference between receiving a useful contact and understanding how to make use of it.
What might the options include?
NHS England’s frequently asked questions gives examples such as creative activities, cooking, sport, walking and gardening, alongside practical advice services. These are examples of what social prescribing can involve, not a promise that every area offers them.
Start with your interests rather than what sounds most impressive. If you dislike group exercise, say so. If you would like something quiet, a daytime activity or contact that does not depend on using an app, explain that too.
You can ask whether a group allows a first visit without a longer commitment, whether beginners are welcome and what usually happens in a session. Specific information may be more useful than a broad description such as “a friendly group”.
Prepare a short note before you speak
You do not need a polished account of your life. A few notes can help you remember what you want to ask. Consider including:
- The contact you miss: regular conversation, shared interests, company outside the home or something else.
- Your available times: work, caring responsibilities or appointments that affect your week.
- Practical limits: transport, cost, mobility, hearing, language or internet access.
- Previous attempts: what you tried, what was useful and what did not suit you.
- Your first preference: one possibility you would be willing to explore.
These are prompts, not eligibility criteria. You do not need to know all the answers before asking for help. “I am not sure what I would enjoy now” is a valid place to begin.
Ask about costs and accessibility
Do not assume that every activity suggested will be free. Ask about joining fees, individual session charges, equipment and transport before committing. Tell the link worker if money is a barrier, so the options can be considered with that in mind.
Accessibility is also more specific than whether a building has a ramp. You might need a quiet room, seating, accessible toilets, a hearing loop, information in another format or a way to take breaks. Ask about the features relevant to you rather than feeling obliged to try an unsuitable setting first.
If travelling is difficult, ask about nearby or remote options. Availability will depend on local provision; a referral cannot guarantee that a particular service or transport arrangement exists.
What if the first suggestion does not fit?
Give concrete feedback if you can: the time clashed with work, the room was too noisy, the cost was higher than expected, or the activity was simply not enjoyable. Those details are more useful for choosing another option than concluding that you are “bad at socialising”.
Ask how to get back in touch, especially if you have not heard from a group after a referral. Also ask what to do while waiting. If your health worsens, contact the appropriate healthcare service rather than waiting for a community activity to begin.
What social prescribing does not replace
The Royal College of Psychiatrists’ patient guide explains that social prescribing can sit alongside treatment and should not replace regular medical care. Speak to your clinician before making changes to treatment.
A link worker is not automatically a therapist, an emergency responder or a source of ongoing personal care. Ask about the limits of the role. Social prescribing does not guarantee friendships, improved health or a particular change in how you feel.
A privately booked Let’s Just Talk OK befriending call is not social prescribing, an NHS referral or clinical treatment. For a wider comparison of community contact, listening and professional help, see our support options for loneliness.
If you need urgent help
If someone’s life is at risk, or you cannot keep yourself or someone else safe, call 999 or go to A&E. In England, for urgent mental-health help, call NHS 111 and select the mental-health option, or ask for an urgent GP appointment. See the NHS urgent-help guidance.
Samaritans offers free listening support, day or night, on 116 123. See Samaritans contact information and our urgent-help page. Do not wait for a booked befriending call in an emergency.
Sources checked: 3 November 2026. This is general information, not a medical assessment.
