Best practice resources: Youth social prescribing

The National Academy for Social Prescribing and the Social Biobehavioural Research Group have produced two new national resources to support the growth, quality and consistency of youth social prescribing across the UK. Developed through extensive collaboration with practitioners, young people, researchers and the VCFSE sector, the resources provide practical guidance and accessible learning for those designing, commissioning and delivering services for children and young people.

The resources set out evidence-informed recommendations covering leadership, commissioning, workforce development, youth engagement and cross-sector collaboration. The guidance reflects lived experience and frontline delivery expertise, ensuring that best practice is grounded in what works for communities and young people.

Alongside the guidelines, a free 45-minute online training course has been released to build understanding and confidence in youth social prescribing. The course introduces key concepts, delivery models, implementation approaches and the evidence base, and is designed for link workers, commissioners, VCFSE staff and others supporting children and young people’s wellbeing.

Both resources were shaped by strong contributions from the VCFSE sector and youth-led voices, reinforcing the importance of co-production, community-based support and relational approaches when working with young people.

You can find out more about the resources here.  If you would like to find out more about faith groups and social prescribing, you can take a look at FaithAction’s research in this area here.