Tens of thousands ‘should be prescribed art classes and gardening on NHS’, say medics

The physical and mental health of tens of thousands of people would benefit from being prescribed art classes, group gardening projects and nature walks on the NHS, royal medical colleges have said.

Many people are missing out on “social prescribing”, according to a report from the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the Royal College of Occupational Therapists – a measure they believe could help tackle mental health difficulties that have been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Social prescribing can include recommending activities such as new skills workshops, playing football in a local team, taking on some form of education or training, or helping local elderly residents with their gardening.

GPs can prescribe these as a set number of sessions or on a drop-in basis. Such activities have been shown to decrease loneliness and improve mental and physical health.

It comes after charities warned of a looming mental health crisis as a result of strict lockdown measures to combat the spread of Covid-19. Last year, health experts said Britain was “sleepwalking” into the crisis, especially as the colder and darker months exacerbated feelings of fear and isolation.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 86 per cent of women and 74 per cent of men reported being lonely at the end of January.

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The report makes a series of new recommendations to deal with the problem, including for social prescribing to be made available to all mental health service users in all community and inpatient settings, and via a GP.

Currently, GPs can refer patients to link workers who know their local area and can recommend activities and workshops.

Dr Katherine Kennet, lead author of the report and sustainability lead at the Royal College of Psychiatrists, said: “Covid-19 has shown just how damaging loneliness and isolation can be to our mental health, but social prescribing can play a big part in supporting people’s recovery as we move out of the pandemic.

“Social prescribing provides an exciting opportunity for mental health services as part of their ambition to secure the best outcomes for their patients, but it must be available as a treatment for everyone, regardless of where they live.

“It is crucial social prescribing is used to complement existing treatments and should not be used as a substitute for talking therapies or medical interventions.”

It is unclear how many people currently access social prescribing but the colleges say services can be patchy across the UK.

“The importance of social participation on maintaining good mental health has been amplified during the pandemic,” said Karin Orman, assistant director for professional practice at the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.

“Social prescribing clearly supports people’s wellbeing and occupational therapists can work with those whose needs are more complex and require a more tailored approach to actively engage and participate in social activities.”

One patient, Michelle, was struggling with anxiety, depression and isolation before she joined a nature reserve project in Preston, Lancashire.

She said she had been living with anxiety and depression for the past 20 years, but the coronavirus lockdown worsened the problems due to loneliness and isolation.

“I felt even more disconnected and was living with thoughts of self-harm and suicide,” she said. “But my life took a turn for the better when I started engaging with Brockholes Nature Reserve.

The reserve held online Zoom meetings as well as outdoor sessions, which Michelle said helped her mental health.

“I don’t feel so lonely anymore and I feel like I have a future and a life worth living,” she said. “I’m even going back to work next month which is something I never thought would happen.”