Today (Thursday 26 March), NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is celebrating Social Prescribing Day 2026, a global event recognising the positive impact social prescribing has on people’s health, wellbeing and communities.
Across NHSGGC, social prescribing plays an important role in supporting people to access help beyond traditional medical care. It recognises that many factors influence health and wellbeing, including loneliness, mental wellbeing, finances, housing and caring responsibilities, and that these issues often require practical and community based solutions.
Social prescribing starts with a conversation about what matters most to the individual, before helping them connect with local services, community groups and third sector organisations that can offer tailored support. By addressing these wider factors, social prescribing helps people feel listened to, supported and more confident in managing their health and wellbeing, while also helping to reduce pressure on health services.
This work is supported by Community Links Workers (CLWs) working within and alongside general practice, as well as colleagues in other settings – such as Care Navigators and hospital based teams. These roles provide dedicated time to listen, build trust and help people navigate the support available to them, particularly at key points such as the non-medical issues that can affect health and wellbeing.
Central to the success of social prescribing are the third sector organisations, community groups and volunteers working across our Health and Social Care Partnerships. Through strong partnership working, they provide a wide range of support, helping ensure people are connected to the right services in their communities and supported with dignity and respect.
Fraser McJannett, NHSGGC Director of Primary Care and GP Out of Hours, said: “On Social Prescribing Day, we recognise and thank all Community Links Workers, Care Navigators and wider colleagues across NHSGGC who support social prescribing. Your work helps people feel heard, supported and connected, and ensures care is shaped around people’s lives, not just their conditions.”
To learn more about Community Links Workers and other roles within Primary Care, click here.
