What is Social Prescribing?
1 in 5 GP appointments are for non-medical reasons, like loneliness or financial worries. Social prescribing connects people to activities in communities that can tackle these issues and benefit health and wellbeing more generally.
Artwork by an Art by Post participant (2021)
The National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) was established in 2019. We work to create partnerships across the arts, health, sports, leisure, and the natural environment on a national and community level.
Photography by Robert Darch, Kate Elliott, Eoin Carey, Image courtesy of Southbank Centre
NASP's partnership with the Southbank Centre supported the delivery of Art by Post in response to the isolation experienced across the UK during the first lockdown. Through funding from NASP, Southbank Centre were able to deliver a national touring exhibition and bring the project to billboards and bus stops across the UK.
As well as the exhibition, NASP provided additional funding to bring the project to national billboards and bus stops.
Artwork by an Art by Post participant (2021)
Social prescribing works
There is evidence that various activities, either instead of, or as well as, medication can benefit our health and wellbeing.
Photography by Kate Elliott(2)
We know that being creative has proven benefits for mental health and wellbeing.
What is social prescribing?
Art by Post Installation
Social prescribing is a rapidly growing movement and increasingly important in NHS and government plans. It has the potential to revolutionise how we manage our health and wellbeing in the UK and beyond.
To find out more about social prescribing, visit the NASP website: socialprescribingacademy.org.uk
Film shot by James Kinsman and Ed Prosser, edited by Jamed Kinsman