Social prescribing is part of the NHS personalised care programme and a way for GPs and local agencies to refer people to a link worker, who takes a holistic approach to people’s health and wellbeing. They then connect people to community groups and statutory services for practical and emotional support. Groups that people are referred to don’t need to be specialist services. Community choirs, bands and ensembles that welcome new people, have good access and inclusion practices, and are in people’s own communities can be ideal. Social prescribing is a great way to connect people looking for a new, enjoyable hobby to a group they can thrive in.

Support for groups and link workers

Social prescribing is a relatively new system, and Making Music along with the Singing for Health Network (SFHN) see we have a role to play, to inform and support both music groups and social prescribers looking to connect.

SFHN have produced two free guides, one aimed at choirs and one at link workers, to help both sides understand each other and how to interact (last updated November 2022). Making Music have developed resources to apply to both singing and instrumental groups and created some additional templates, policies and tools (last updated November 2022).

We have also hosted webinars for music groups, recorded and available to watch now.

We continue to connect with networks and advocacy groups such as Culture Health and Wellbeing Alliance, Scottish Community Link Worker Network and Singing for Health Network to understand and support the development of social prescribing into leisure time music groups.