Social prescribing has emerged as a powerful tool in addressing health and well-being holistically. While its applications for adults, particularly in mental health and chronic disease management, have gained significant attention, there is growing recognition of its potential benefits for children and young people. Evidence from various countries, alongside emerging data from Ireland, highlights the impact of social prescribing in fostering resilience, enhancing mental health, and promoting social inclusion among younger populations.
Why Focus on Children and Young People?
The mental health of children and young people is a pressing concern globally and in Ireland. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one in seven children aged 10–19 lives with a diagnosed mental disorder, including anxiety and depression. Additionally, UNICEF's State of the World’s Children 2021 report underscores that mental health conditions often go undiagnosed and untreated during these formative years.
WHO Adolescent and Young Adult Health Overview: WHO Mental Health Fact Sheet
UNICEF DATA World Health Organization (WHO) UNICEF Data on Adolescent Mental Health: UNICEF Mental Health Report
In Ireland, the situation mirrors global trends. A 2023 report from the Mental Health Commission highlights that one in three young people aged 12–18 has experienced mental health difficulties, with rising rates of anxiety and depression exacerbated by social isolation, academic pressures, and the aftereffects of the COVID-19 pandemic. A Growing Up in Ireland study also noted that a significant proportion of 9- and 17-year-olds reported high levels of stress and loneliness.
Addressing these challenges requires a holistic approach, as many contributing factors, such as isolation, lack of physical activity, and stress, are rooted in social circumstances. Social prescribing can play a transformative role by providing access to supportive networks and enriching activities, helping young people build confidence, develop relationships, and manage stress more effectively.
Evidence of Success
Several countries such as the UK and Australia have pioneered the use of social prescribing for young people, and their experiences offer valuable insights:
United Kingdom: The National Academy for Social Prescribing highlights programs aimed at children and young people, such as initiatives in Gloucestershire, which focus on arts, sports, and peer support. These interventions have shown improvements in mental well-being and social connectivity. Learn more at National Academy for Social Prescribing NASP NASP
Canada: The Art Hives Network in Toronto creates spaces where young people can engage in art and connect with peers to build emotional resilience and creativity. For details, visit: Art Hives Network Barnardo's BCIHub
Australia: The Linking Generations Program fosters intergenerational relationships by connecting young people with older adults for shared activities, enhancing mental well-being and community bonds. More details are available through: Linking Generations Overview NASP
Netherlands: Social prescribing initiatives in the Netherlands often incorporate nature-based activities for young people, including gardening and outdoor play. These programs aim to reduce stress and foster a connection to nature. Additional information can be explored via: Social Prescribing Europe.
New Zealand: The Mana Ake – Stronger for Tomorrow program supports young people in schools by addressing mental health through community-based activities and support from social workers and clinicians. Visit: Mana Ake Programme.
Research Highlights
Improved Mental Health: A systematic review published in BMJ Open highlights the positive effects of social prescribing interventions, particularly for young people. The review found that these interventions significantly reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, largely due to increased access to community-based activities that provide supportive networks and meaningful engagement
Promoting Physical Health: Research conducted by the European Academy of Paediatrics has shown that programs incorporating physical activities such as sports or dance can improve physical health outcomes for children, particularly in the areas of cardiovascular health and obesity prevention. For instance, a study published in JAMA Network found that a 20-week exercise program involving aerobic and resistance training led to significant improvements in cardiometabolic health among children with overweight or obesity. This included reductions in body mass index (BMI), fat mass, and visceral adipose tissue, as well as improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness
Reducing Social Isolation: Research by the Mental Health Foundation in Scotland indicates that social prescribing initiatives can significantly reduce feelings of isolation among young people, particularly those who are neurodiverse or at risk of exclusion.
Social Prescribing in Ireland
Ireland is beginning to explore social prescribing for children and young people as part of its broader commitment to community-based health interventions. The Sláintecare Healthy Communities programme, which supports social prescribing initiatives, has already demonstrated its success in adult populations. Expanding such services to include young people could bridge the gap in non-clinical mental health support.
Community-based organisations and charities such as Jigsaw and Foróige have incorporated elements of social prescribing, such as creative arts workshops and sports programmes, to support young people. These initiatives aim to build resilience and foster a sense of belonging, aligning with the government’s Sharing the Vision: A Mental Health Policy for Everyone (2020–2030), which emphasises early intervention and community support.
Implementing Social Prescribing for Youth
To realise the potential of social prescribing for children and young people, certain considerations must be prioritised:
Tailored Interventions: Activities should be age-appropriate and culturally sensitive, reflecting the needs and interests of young participants.
Collaborative Referrals: Strong partnerships between schools, primary care providers, and youth organisations ensure effective referrals and support systems.
Sustainable Funding: Governments and local authorities must allocate resources to ensure the longevity of programmes.
The Future of Social Prescribing for Youth
Social prescribing for children and young people in Ireland offers a promising avenue for addressing the rising tide of mental health challenges. By leveraging Ireland's rich tradition of community engagement, expanding access to non-clinical supports, and learning from successful international models, Ireland can lead the way in creating an inclusive, holistic system of care for young people.
Social prescribing is more than just an intervention; it is a lifeline for children and young people navigating today’s complex world. Evidence from other countries, alongside Ireland’s own emerging initiatives, demonstrates its potential to transform lives, and it is time to extend these benefits to younger generations.
Additional Reading:
Global Need for Mental Health Interventions The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies mental health conditions as a leading cause of disability in adolescents, affecting 14% of this population globally. Innovative approaches like social prescribing are critical to addressing these challenges by offering psychosocial support and community-driven interventions. Read more on WHO's website World Health Organization (WHO)
WHO Guidelines on Adolescent Mental Health WHO's 2020 guidelines recommend psychosocial interventions to promote mental health among young people aged 10–19, targeting those at risk due to adversity or life challenges. Social prescribing aligns with these guidelines by connecting young individuals to tailored, supportive activities. Discover the guidelines here World Health Organization (WHO)
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Mental Health Trends in Ireland In Ireland, data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) highlights a worrying increase in mental health issues among young people, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Social prescribing offers a promising solution to support these communities, complementing existing health services. Explore the findings at the CSO.