Empowered by Social Prescribing
Today we join colleagues across the UK to celebrate Social Prescribing Day 2025.
The National Academy for Social Prescribing, describes the day:
“Social Prescribing Day is an annual celebration of the people, organisations and communities who make social prescribing happen. Since 2019, thousands of local, national and international organisations, link workers, medical professionals, academics and students have taken part across the world.
Every year, we have joined together to hold events, share ideas and highlight the impact of social prescribing on people and communities. Together, we want to raise awareness of what social prescribing is, how it works, and how it changes lives”.
In Pembrokeshire, social prescribing is delivered by a team of Community Connectors, employed by PAVS, and is a key element of the Pembrokeshire Strengthening Communities Programme, a partnership approach with Hywel Dda Health Board, Pembrokeshire County Council & the third sector. It is a community and citizen-centred approach to improving health and wellbeing in Pembrokeshire for all ages, beginning with a What Matters conversation and often involving social prescribing linked to the 5 ways to wellbeing.– Connect, Get Active, Take Notice, Learn, and Give.
Social Prescribing is described by NHS Wales, as “a person-centred approach to connecting people to local community assets. It can help empower individuals to recognise their own needs, strengths, and personal assets and to connect with their own communities for support with their personal health and wellbeing”. A National Framework for Social Prescribing in Wales has been developed to provide a consistent and high-quality approach to social prescribing throughout the country. It outlines the model of social prescribing, helps to develop a shared understanding of terminology, and ensures consistency of delivery across different settings.
PAVS Community Connector Team Leader Kathryn Ashton reflects: “This is such an important day for our community. The referrals made to our Community Connector service is evidence that the support is needed, and that social prescribing works wonders and enhances so many people’s lives.” Though the benefits of social prescribing are wide-ranging, improved physical, mental and social wellbeing are commonly reported. This encompasses aspects of psychosocial health, healthy lifestyles and behaviours, social engagement, and self-management of long-term conditions.
While PAVS Strengthening Communities Programme Manager Sophie Buckley thanks staff: “Our team of Community Connectors are a friendly, experienced team of professionals who love nothing more than hearing what matters to people and helping to come up with a plan of action to improving someone’s health and well-being through a person-centred, solutions focused approach. I am grateful to the team for their social prescribing work, which is supported by the Pembrokeshire Community Hub as their single point of contact. My thanks to the whole Strengthening Communities programme team for their continued dedication to the people of Pembrokeshire as we continue to support the development of active, resourceful, connected, sustainable and kind communities within our much-loved County.”
The Community Connector team will be welcoming community practitioners to a Community Connector Speed Network event on Social Prescribing Day 2025. Look out for future opportunities to network with us on the Pembrokeshire Community Hub social media pages linked below.
Follow us on the socials: #SocialPrescribingDay
Pembrokeshire Community Hub: Facebook Pembrokeshire Community Hub: Instagram
PAVS Instagram PAVS Facebook PAVS www.linkedin.com
Read related stories at: PAVS | Pembrokeshire Association of Voluntary Services
If you need support, you can make a referral to the Community Connectors by contacting the Pembrokeshire Community Hub:
Phone: 01437 723660 (between 9-5pm weekdays)
