Social prescribing: community power and the community paradigm

Abstract

Social prescribing is an approach that connects people to activities, groups and services in their community, but it can also be counter-productive and disabling. It exists between state and market paradigms.

The ‘community paradigm’ reflects a belief that people and communities themselves have the best insight into their own situation. It seeks long-term solutions within communities, rather than for them.

What matters most to people with long-term health conditions are: being respected; health; understanding yourself; purpose and being valued; quality relationships; and enjoyment.

An approach reflecting the ‘community paradigm’ would address the determinants of health and well-being, rather than the symptoms. It would integrate social approaches and public services.

The offer would be more a community offer than a service offer. People would experience success as participating, interdependent members of their community, recognized and valued for their gifts.

This requires change within communities and systems, through genuine co-production between the two. Making social solutions as or more attractive than service solutions requires an open and honest reflection on, and redistribution of, collective power and wealth.