The UK's National Health Service has made more than 5.5 million referrals to non-medical community activities in England over five years. This 'social prescribing' initiative, which began in 2019, far surpasses its original target of 900,000 referrals. The program is part of a broader $6 billion primary care expansion.
Social prescribing connects patients with activities like choirs, art studios, walking clubs, and fishing. It aims to address both health system strains and a worsening loneliness epidemic. The approach started in impoverished areas to assist individuals with complex medical and social needs.