Introduction

We supported the spread, scale-up and sustainability of CYP social prescribing across London. We worked directly with local areas to support delivery of CYP social prescribing pilots, convened a pan-London Community of Practice for link workers, and gathered case study examples to share learnings from across London and nationally. 

Funding sources, partnerships and groups 

NCL ICS and NEL ICB each funded £50K to explore and scope different funding models and pathways of CYP social prescribing across each of their boroughs. 

We convened ICS-level working groups to help facilitate delivery and provide programme management and leadership support. 

History including how it came about, what was the need, biggest challenges 

In London, social prescribing had predominantly focused on the adult population, however the pandemic accelerated the need for all ages to access help and support in their communities.  

CYP social prescribing is a newer area nationally, building on the successful roll-out of social prescribing for the adult population.  There was a strategic commitment for London to develop and expand social prescribing service provision for 0-18 year olds (up to 25 for those with special educational needs or disabilities). 

Impact

• Raised awareness and made the case for investment into CYP social prescribing models by convening strategic regional partners such as GLA, NHSE and ICBs 
• Supported the delivery of CYP social prescribing pilots across London, for example we supported three boroughs in NCL to setup and deliver CYP social prescribing services 
• Supported the development of CYP social prescribing link workers, by convening them to network, share best practice and develop their services through peer support 
• Developed a guide for commissioners to support the scale up and delivery of CYP social prescribing services 
• Gathered and promoted examples of good practice through the creation of two short videos 

Outputs

• Video: CYP social prescribing at the Well Centre in Lambeth (6 min)
• Video: CYP social prescribing at the Royal London (4 min)
• Resource: Guide for factors to consider when developing social prescribing for children, young people, parents and carers 

The evolution of this work  

This work led us on to exploring other preventative models of care, such as within secondary care and social welfare legal advice – read more here.  

Resources

Key external resources 

• NHS CYP social prescribing toolkit 
• NASP CYP social prescribing evidence review 
• Social Prescribing Youth Network (SPYN)