The Proactive Social Prescribing (PSP) initiative is a compassionate and community-driven project focused on people living with long-term respiratory conditions.
What Is a Proactive Social Prescriber?
Based across York’s Primary Care Networks, PSPs reach out to individuals who can quite often fall through the cracks – people isolated by illness, poverty, or simply a lack of digital access. Upon referral they proactively reach out to individuals with respiratory conditions and tailor support to their unique needs.
PSPs like Simon Daglish, the author of the initiative’s two-year impact report, have worked directly with 111 individuals facing complex health and social challenges. From COPD sufferers in social housing to bereaved seniors struggling with loneliness and financial strain, the PSP model offers connection to the support they need.
Every person engaged receives a bespoke care plan based on what matters most to them – this could be managing breathlessness, combating loneliness or applying for the benefits they didn’t know they were entitled to.
Individuals impact stories
Mrs A, a woman in her 70s living with COPD and arthritis. Before meeting her PSP, she was isolated, financially struggling and physically deteriorating. After PSP support, she had her medication reviewed, received mobility equipment, accessed benefits, and perhaps most importantly, felt seen and supported.
Mr B, a widower with severe COPD, now has access to benefits, a stairlift, and renewed hope. “You’ve gone overboard with your help,” he said. “It has totally changed my life.”
And Mr C, once sleeping on his sofa due to severe arthritis and breathing issues, now swims regularly, hasn’t smoked in months, and is sleeping in a bed for the first time in five years.
Numbers that support these stories:
Proactive Social Prescribing Impact Summary
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94% of patients said PSPs helped them set meaningful goals.
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78% felt more in control of their health.
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81% admitted they wouldn’t have known about or accessed this support without PSP involvement.
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Life satisfaction rose from 37% to 85%, and feelings of life being “worthwhile” jumped from 41% to 82%
More about Social Prescribing
To learn more about Social Prescribing in York, visit www.yorkcvs.org.uk
Individuals can self-refer to Social Prescribing by calling 01904 473911. Leave your name and the name of their GP surgery, and someone from the team will call them back. Alternatively, individuals can also ask anyone at their GP surgery to refer them to a Social Prescriber.
Over two years
Proactive Social Prescribing Impact Summary
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Made 88 respiratory review requests, often leading to medication changes and better inhaler use.
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Facilitated 184 community referrals – everything from smoking cessation and weight management to bereavement support and volunteering.
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Set up new community resources, like the Eazy-Breathe group in partnership with York St John University, to provide accessible exercise and reduce social isolation.
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Bridged digital divides by connecting people with local “Digital Cafes” to help them access online health services.
