The National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) has announced a new two-year initiative to strengthen the contribution of faith communities to social prescribing across England.
The project, announced May 22, will create a Strategic Lead for Faith and Social Prescribing role within NASP. The effort is being funded by the Sir Halley Stewart Trust and supported by the Good Faith Partnership (GFP).
Social prescribing, according to the National Health Service, connects people with community activities and services to improve wellbeing. A fifth of the time spent by general practitioners is currently used addressing non-medical needs such as loneliness or debt, the GFP said in a press release.
Churches and other places of worship already play a significant role in meeting these needs, particularly in disadvantaged areas. Their work includes food banks, support groups and advice services—resources that align closely with social prescribing goals.
David Barclay, managing partner at the Good Faith Partnership and director at the Warm Welcome Campaign, said the announcement is a step forward in building stronger bridges between faith communities and public health efforts.
“We are delighted that the new Strategic Faith Lead will be able to connect social prescribing more effectively with the amazing work that faith groups are already doing up and down the country to support health and wellbeing, especially spiritual wellbeing,” said Barclay.
“Creating this role was one of the key recommendations of our faith and social prescribing report ‘Creating a Neighbourhood Health Service.’ It is so important to have this role as a relational bridge which can really harness the shared values of welcome, loving community and holistic care which all faith groups hold and which will be key to supporting individuals to thrive through social prescribing.
“We look forward to working with NASP and the new Strategic Faith Lead to include the tens of thousands of UK faith groups in the development and delivery of a holistic and preventative neighbourhood health service.”
The new Strategic Lead will be responsible for ensuring “that the value of faith-based work is recognised, understood, and embedded in the development of preventative health and wellbeing approaches across the country,” the GFP said.
Research by Theos, ChurchWorks and the GFP—also supported by the Sir Halley Stewart Trust—found that faith organizations act as “anchors of the community.” However, their broader contribution has been limited by barriers in collaboration, communication and infrastructure.
“The Strategic Lead will tackle these challenges by building relationships, gathering evidence, and creating tools to support better joint working,” the GFP said. “They will also convene a new National Faith Advisory Panel and consult with stakeholders across faith, health, voluntary and policy sectors.”
Charlotte Osborn-Forde, chief executive of NASP, said the new initiative will strengthen the NHS’s shift toward community-based, preventative care.
“The government has rightly stressed the need to shift NHS care from hospitals to communities and from treatment to prevention, and to create a neighbourhood health service,” Osborn-Forde said.
“Faith organisations can play a crucial role in this—both by reaching people who may not be accessing the care they need, and by providing vital support to people whose social needs are affecting their health.
“By recognising and strengthening the contribution of faith communities to social prescribing, this project will help build a more connected, compassionate, and preventative health system for all.”
Kate Garbers, a trustee of the Sir Halley Stewart Trust, added that the new role reflects the critical part churches and other faith groups already play.
“The establishment of a role within NASP focusing on faith recognises the contribution faith groups and their networks make to the social prescribing agenda,” Garbers said.
“We believe these groups can play a foundational role in preventative healthcare and funding NASP to be able to shape policy, and drive system-level change within this area is an opportunity the Trust is pleased to be able to be part of.”
