Council helping more people than ever before through social prescribing service.
Last night (9 July) South Ribble’s cabinet considered the council’s social prescribing annual report 2024/25 which maps out the performance of the service. It found that:
- Engagement in the service had increased by 11%
- 84% of users reduced their feelings of loneliness with 74% increasing their feeling of well being
- 148 Households were supported through Household Support Fund amounting in £85,000 of financial support for residents
Social Prescribing allows the council to support residents holistically, working with a network of partners across the borough to signpost to and deliver support.
The main reasons people access the service is for support with cost of living, social isolation, health and wellbeing, mental health and housing.
Since the services’ inception in September 2023 to March 2025, the council has supported 1,581 individuals and referrals have increased year on year with 555 people supported this year.
The service has supported people in many ways such as through signposting to other partner organisations where dedicated support can be provided, direct support, which sees the council offering practical direct help for people, or through holistic support which is intensive and designed for complex needs.
Some of those helped by social prescribing told us:
“I still have many health problems, but I am now living in a home where I am safe and warm, my debts are sorted, and both of these things are a great relief. The practical support I have received and the chance to speak with someone who is a friendly face and not clinical has been great.”
“I can’t tell you how glad I am of all the support I’ve had. I honestly thought I was done for, and now I’ve a little place of my own and I am making new friends. I’m going out now, the first time since my husband died six years ago. I’m even able to eat in a public place now and I never thought that would happen. I am grateful every day.”
Councillor Aniela Bylinski Gelder, Deputy Leader of South Ribble Borough Council said, “Hearing from our service users just makes it clear how important it is for this scheme to be in place to support families and individuals with whatever challenges they are facing.
“As a council, we are doing all we can to make sure they everyone in our community can be heard, have access to support and can live a healthy and happy life in South Ribble. Social prescribing is a discretionary service, something which our administration supports, but is not guaranteed. It’s about caring and putting the community at the heart of council provision.
“By looking back on the last year, knowing that our users are happier, less lonely and less anxious makes me incredibly proud, and I want to recognise the bravery of those people who have come to us to ask for help.
“If you are facing challenges, big or small, and want to talk to one of the team, please get in touch with us.”
More information and how to access social prescribing service can be found at https://southribble.gov.uk/socialprescribing