Social prescribing, in which people are connected with arts and exercise activities and other sources of support, may help adolescents waiting for specialist mental health services by improving their resilience, behaviour and relationships with others, according to a new study led by UCL (University College London) researchers.
The study, published in the journal European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, involved over 550 adolescents aged 11 to 18 who had been referred to children and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) in England, comparing those who received bespoke social prescribing referrals while waiting for treatment with those who did not.
The research team found that young people who received social prescribing reported improvements in behaviour (including reductions in conduct difficulties), enhanced relationships with others, and increased resilience, including greater confidence in solving problems and higher self-esteem.
As of late 2024, over 350,000 children and young people were waiting for specialist mental health care in England, with average wait times of just under eight months.
Lead author Dr Daniel Hayes (UCL Behavioural Science & Heath) said: "Previous research from our team has shown that many young people and families find waiting for mental health services difficult and often feel they lack support during that period. Our new study suggests that social prescribing may provide a valuable source of support while young people are waiting, helping them strengthen relationships, build resilience and improve day-to-day functioning."
One of the young people in the trial who received social prescribing said: "I think one of the things that has changed is if my mum or someone at school like a teacher asked me about how I'm feeling, I think I'm a lot more open to discussing it. I wasn't as much before [social prescribing]." Another participant said their link worker "really helped me get back into social groups and social settings, so I was more comfortable around people". A third young person said: "It felt like someone was listening, and [my social prescriber] always turned up and actually cared."
Activities and resources that young people in the study were connected to by their link workers included karate clubs, art classes, Pokemon tournaments, book clubs and nature wandering clubs. Link workers also helped young people plan days out with friends.
Senior author, Professor Daisy Fancourt (UCL Behavioural Science & Heath), noted that the study did not find evidence of changes in symptoms of depression, anxiety or stress over the six-month follow-up period, although this is partly expected. "Social prescribing should not be seen as a substitute for evidence-based psychological treatments. Instead, the findings suggest its value for young people on waiting lists for mental health services is in supporting day-to-day functioning and strengthening protective factors during this high-risk waiting period. Instead of merely 'waiting', young people and their families can engage in activities that may help them be more 'treatment ready' when they reach the end of the waiting list."
Amanda Thompson, Children & Young People's Link Worker at Sunderland Counselling Service, said: "One of the aspects I value most about the social prescribing model is its person-centred approach. It focuses on what is important and meaningful to the young person, placing them at the heart of the process.
"I have seen firsthand how this approach gives young people the opportunity to take ownership of their own journey, while recognising and celebrating the achievements they make along the way. It also extends beyond the individual, often having a positive impact on the wider family unit by reducing pressures, strengthening relationships, and creating a more supportive home environment.
"Seeing a young person who may have previously struggled socially begin to engage in clubs or activities, develop hobbies, learn new skills, build friendships, and grow in confidence is incredibly rewarding. What may seem like small steps to others can represent significant achievements and personal progress for a young person.
"Looking back on a young person's journey and recognising how far they have come is one of the most fulfilling aspects of the role."
The new study follows on from research earlier this year by members of the same team, published in Nature Health, which found that adults referred for social prescribing (including young people) gained "sizable" improvements in wellbeing in the months after initial referral.
That research looked at data from 19,627 people in the UK who had accessed social prescribing (either through a GP or through community referrals) and who had answered questions about their wellbeing. The team found consistent improvements across all the measures they assessed, including a 20% improvement in general mental wellbeing, alongside additional improvements in happiness, life satisfaction, anxiety levels and a sense of life being worthwhile.
In 2023, more than a million people in England alone were referred for social prescribing services by their GP.
The latest Wellbeing While Waiting study was carried out in partnership with 11 NHS child and adolescent mental health trusts in England. The work was funded by the Prudence Trust, with additional support from Wellcome and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC).
The adult social prescribing study was funded by the ESRC, supported by the National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) and utilised anonymised patient data from Access Elemental, a social prescribing software provider.
