Filenews 15 August 2025 - by Marilena Panagi
Instead of medications, anxiolytics, sedatives or other medical interventions, gym, walking, yoga, social events, outdoor activities, excursions, social connection, social contribution.
"Social prescribing" is the new approach that is gaining ground in all European countries, with the United Kingdom and the country's national health system (NHS) leading the way, while at the EU level, more than ten countries are already implementing relevant programs.
The "prescriptions" or more correctly "referrals" are made by general practitioners (personal doctors) and are addressed to patients with various, mainly chronic, diseases that need multifaceted and proper management in order to maintain well-being and quality of life, while in all relevant official reports it is pointed out that social prescribing is combined without any problem whatsoever with traditional medicine. improving patients' compliance with their doctors' recommendations.
Patients with cancer (after completing their treatment), cardiovascular disease, mental disorders, musculoskeletal disorders or type 2 diabetes are already participating in relevant programs, with the results, according to the most recent studies, already very encouraging.
Cyprus seems to be in very early stages and social prescribing is offered mainly through patient associations and other private bodies/professionals. In general, however, the concept of "social prescribing" is almost unknown in our country, despite the fact that in the very recent past there have been some initial positions in favour of its implementation.
In Greece, social prescribing is implemented, to a limited extent, for the time being, through private initiative.
But what is it, what does it include and what are the goals of this practice?
At the EU level, the concept of social prescribing is defined as the method by which general practitioners refer their patients to various activities aimed at enhancing their well-being without the use of drugs or other invasive methods (if these are not considered absolutely necessary for the patient).
The "Social Prescribing EU (SP-EU)" program, which is funded by "Horizon Europe" and started in 2025 with a timetable until 2029, and a budget of about €7 million, is in place.
This program, according to its official presentation, is aimed more at vulnerable groups.
From the data available in the health systems of EU countries, it appears that prescribing includes, among others:
– Support groups: Groups of people with common problems, such as chronic illnesses, mental disorders or the loss of loved ones.
– Physical activity activities: Fitness classes, walking, yoga, dancing or other forms of exercise.
– Educational programs: Seminars on the management of chronic diseases, the improvement of nutrition, or the management of stress.
– Psychosocial support: Counselling, psychotherapy or stress management groups.
– Social activities: Events, cultural programs, participation in voluntary actions aimed at developing social connection and a sense of contribution.
– Creative activities: Art, music, craft workshops that enhance creativity and mental health.
These activities, according to the first results of studies, seem to significantly improve the quality of life of chronic patients. In fact, for each group of patients, as it emerges from the data so far, the benefits are different, depending on the condition and the goals of the activity in which they participate.
For example, for patients with type 2 diabetes, social prescribing has been found to help improve nutrition and treat disease-related stress (daily measurements, administration of injectable medications, etc.).
Particular results seem to be recorded in cancer patients who are in the post-treatment stage. Social prescribing and the activities it entails prove to be beneficial in the rehabilitation and psychological uplift of patients.
In addition, it has been found in chronic patients with:
1. Cardiovascular diseases (e.g. hypertension, coronary artery disease) reduction of risk factors through lifestyle change with sports, nutrition and stress management programs
2. Chronic respiratory diseases, improvement of physical condition and social participation through symptom management programs and avoidance of relapses.
3. Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases, improving mobility through physical exercise and pain management training programs.
4. Mental disorders such as depression and anxiety disorder, improvement through social inclusion programs and stress-reducing activities.
What the studies say
A review published in 2024 and including 12 studies involving more than 3500 patients concluded that social prescribing had a positive effect on quality of life and psychological outcomes associated with specific diseases, such as cancer and diabetes. A second review concluded that social prescribing can improve self-esteem, confidence, and mental well-being, while reducing anxiety and depression by taking a holistic approach to chronic health conditions.
Social prescribing, based on the data so far, seems to promise a significant improvement in people's quality of life, well-being and well-being. However, as the researchers of all currently available studies note, further research is needed to effectively evaluate the effectiveness of this practice.
What programs are implemented in Europe
UK: The NHS has integrated social prescribing for patients with mental disorders mainly for patients with mild to moderate depression and anxiety. National studies show an improvement in mental well-being and a reduction in visits to doctors.
Sweden: Pilot social prescribing programmes are being implemented to prevent social isolation and support mental health through community actions. The buy-in mainly concerns patients with mental disorders.
Netherlands: Programs are implemented for mentally ill and people with mild depression (chronic patients) with an emphasis on community connection and mental well-being, often in collaboration with non-governmental organizations.
Ireland: Social prescribing is used to support people with chronic conditions (e.g. diabetes, cardiovascular disease) through referral to sports, nutrition and self-management programmes.
Germany: Local programmes are being implemented that combine social support with chronic disease management, promoting the prevention of complications and self-care interventions.
Portugal: Various actions are being implemented in groups involving patients with chronic diseases. Patients are referred to activities that enhance social participation.
Spain: In regions such as Catalonia, social prescribing is used to treat loneliness and enhance the social inclusion of older people. Programs implemented include participation in social clubs, technology education and physical exercise.
Finland: Programmes are in place to support older people living alone, with the aim of maintaining their autonomy and psychosocial well-being.
Denmark: Social prescribing initiatives have been developed in conjunction with social welfare services to prevent social isolation and enhance the quality of life of the elderly and people belonging to vulnerable groups of the population.
Italy: Programmes are implemented at the initiative of some Regions. The programmes are mainly aimed at the elderly and people belonging to vulnerable groups of the population.
Austria: Pilot projects are underway in hospitals and health centres.
