| Anchor Institution | A large, stable organisation – like a hospital or university – that plays a key role in the wellbeing of a local community by investing in local services, employment, and partnerships. |
| Befriending Services | Organised programs where volunteers regularly connect with people experiencing loneliness or isolation to offer companionship and conversation. |
| Care Navigation | Support provided to help individuals understand, access, and coordinate the different health and social services available to them. |
| Community Connector | An individual, sometimes distinct from a link worker, who helps people discover and engage with local groups, services, and networks that can improve their wellbeing. |
| Directory of Services | A curated list or database of available community activities, support groups, and wellbeing services that professionals can use to make referrals. |
| Green Social Prescribing | The use of nature-based activities – such as community gardening, conservation work, or walking in green spaces – as a form of support to improve health and mental wellbeing. |
| Group-Based Intervention | A program or activity delivered to multiple participants at once, such as a support group, creative arts workshop, or mindfulness session. |
| Health Coaching | A person-centered approach that supports individuals to set and achieve goals related to their health and lifestyle, often used alongside Social Prescribing. |
| Integrated Care | A coordinated approach to healthcare that brings together professionals across sectors (health, social care, and community services) to meet people’s wider needs. |
| Lifestyle Modification Support | Help and encouragement to make positive changes in areas like diet, exercise, smoking, or alcohol use – often facilitated through Social Prescribing programs. |
| Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) | A group of professionals from different backgrounds (e.g., GPs, social workers, mental health specialists, link workers) who collaborate to plan and deliver comprehensive care. |
| Outcome Measures | Tools or indicators used to track the impact of Social Prescribing on a person’s health, wellbeing, and quality of life. These might include surveys, interviews, or service usage data. |
| Referral Agent | Any professional (e.g., GP, nurse, housing officer) who identifies someone that might benefit from Social Prescribing and initiates a referral to a link worker or community service. |
| Self-Referral | When an individual accesses Social Prescribing support directly, without needing to go through a healthcare provider first. |
| Third Sector | The range of non-governmental, non-profit organisations – including charities, voluntary groups, and social enterprises – that play a key role in delivering community support. |
