A community OT shares how social prescribing can transform lives

To celebrate Occupational Therapy Week 2025, William Dyett, an Occupational Therapy Apprentice, looks at the role of social prescribing and why occupational therapists can make the case for prevention to improve positive outcomes for people and local authorities. 

In adult social care, we’re often asked to do more with less. We often talk about prevention, wellbeing, and person-centred support. But what does that look like in practice? And how can we continue to think of doings things differently amidst the juggling of responsibilities and time constraints day to day? 

Social prescribing 

Social prescribing offers a way to do things differently. It is not about replacing services, such as primary care or clinical treatment, but about reducing reliance on them. By investing in community connections and meaningful occupation, people can be empowered to thrive. Social prescribing provides a route of connection with other likeminded people to community-based activities, such as gardening, art, or joining a local social club that supports their health and well-being. 

It is more than just signposting. Social prescribing is about facilitating life-changing experiences, especially for vulnerable people who may be isolated, managing long-term conditions, or at risk of needing more formal care and support. According to Age UK’s research (2023), nearly one million older people in the UK reported feeling lonely often. It is a collaborative process, co-produced with the person, recognises the importance of meaningful occupation and social connection.  

In my role as an Occupational Therapy Apprentice, I’ve seen how social prescribing can unlock potential and restore hope in the community. I often think about an elderly gentleman I supported who was living alone after the recent loss of his wife. He had been her primary carer throughout her terminal cancer diagnosis and her passing left him without purpose, self-worth, or motivation. By providing a list of local community centres offering regular social events and opportunities, he gradually found connection with others who had experienced similar loss and life experiences. In the short-term, the low-level equipment provided as part of his referral had helped to improve his physical health and safety in his home. But hearing his newfound sense of purpose in a follow up call proved the long-term impact. His recovery was not just clinical, it was about rediscovering his identity and the feeling of being seen, heard and valued again.  

Looking at the whole person 

Occupational therapists are uniquely placed to support this kind of transformation. We assess not only what someone can do, but what they want to do. We look at the whole person – their environment, routines, values, and aspirations. Social prescribing fits naturally into this approach. As much as it allows us to work preventatively, it helps people to stay well and independent outside the confinements of their home.  

The Local Government Association report, ‘occupational therapists in councils: Unlocking capacity and driving change’, highlights how OTs play a vital role in prevention and early intervention within local authorities. By supporting people to engage in meaningful activities, we can delay or reduce the need for formal care and statutory intervention. Social prescribing offers low-cost, high-impact solutions that builds resilience and empowers communities.

Funding prevention 

The challenge often lies in investment. Councils face tight budgets and competing priorities, making it difficult to fund preventative approaches like social prescribing. As highlighted in ADASS’ Spring Survey 2025, “The case for prevention is clear, but the path to preventative services and supports is not straightforward. It is difficult to invest in better long-term outcomes when short-term savings need to be made and immediate needs for care and support have to be met”. Occupational therapists can play a key role in making the case for prevention by evidencing how social prescribing delivers cost-effective, long-term benefits, reducing demand on statutory services while improving quality of life. 

Additionally, social prescribing helps tackle health inequalities, supports vulnerable residents, and strengthens local networks. It is a way of shifting from reactive services to proactive support. According to the National Academy of Social Prescribing (2024), social prescribing has led to reductions in GP appointments, improved well-being scores, and increased engagement in community life. These outcomes matter – not just for individuals, but for systems under pressure.

Building trust 

In my experience, the success of social prescribing often depends on relationships. It is about knowing your local area and working alongside people to find what works for them. It is about building trust with community groups and never adopting a one-size-fits-all approach. Some people thrive in creative spaces, others in nature, and some in quiet peer support groups. The key is listening and co-producing a plan that reflects their strengths, values and interests. 

As we celebrate OT Week 2025, It is a timely moment to celebrate the role of occupational therapy in prevention and well-being in the community. Social prescribing is a powerful example of how OTs can support people to live the lives they choose – one with meaning, connection and themselves at the centre of it.

William Dyett is an MSc Occupational Therapy Apprentice for the Community Occupational Therapy Team at Milton Keynes City Council.