Social prescribing, which connects people with community activities and other forms of non-clinical support, may help young people awaiting specialist mental health care improve their resilience, behaviour and relationships, according to a new study led by researchers at UCL (University College London). Activities can range from arts and exercise programmes to social clubs and nature-based groups, with support tailored to each young person’s interests and needs.
Published in European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, the study involved more than 550 adolescents aged 11 to 18 who had been referred to children and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) in England. Researchers compared young people who received personalised social prescribing referrals while waiting for treatment with those who did not. Participants who received social prescribing reported improvements in behaviour, including fewer conduct difficulties, stronger relationships with others and greater resilience. They also showed increased confidence in solving problems and higher self-esteem.
The findings are particularly relevant amid lengthy waits for specialist mental health services. As of late 2024, more than 350,000 children and young people in England were awaiting specialist mental health care, with average waiting times of just under eight months. Lead author Dr Daniel Hayes of UCL said previous research had shown that many young people and their families find the waiting period difficult and often feel unsupported. The new findings suggest social prescribing could provide valuable assistance by strengthening relationships, building resilience and improving everyday functioning.
Link workers connected young people in the study to activities and resources, including karate clubs, art classes, Pokémon tournaments, book clubs and nature walking groups. Link workers also helped participants organise days out with friends. Several young people described becoming more comfortable discussing their feelings and participating in social settings. Others highlighted the importance of having a consistent person who listened to them and showed genuine interest in their well-being. Amanda Thompson, a Children & Young People’s Link Worker at Sunderland Counselling Service, said the person-centred approach allows young people to take greater ownership of their journey while building skills, friendships and confidence.
However, the researchers found no evidence that social prescribing reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety or stress during the six-month follow-up period. Senior author Professor Daisy Fancourt of UCL stressed that social prescribing should not replace evidence-based psychological treatments. Instead, its value may lie in supporting daily functioning and strengthening protective factors while young people remain on waiting lists. By participating in meaningful activities rather than simply waiting, young people may also become better prepared to engage with treatment once specialist care becomes available.
The study follows earlier research by members of the same team showing improvements in wellbeing among adults and young people referred for social prescribing. That study, published in Nature Health, analysed data from 19,627 people in the UK and found a 20% improvement in general mental wellbeing, alongside gains in happiness, life satisfaction, anxiety and feelings that life was worthwhile. With more than one million people in England referred to social prescribing services through GPs in 2023 alone, the latest findings suggest the approach could provide important additional support for young people facing long waits for specialist mental health care.
More information: Daniel Hayes et al, Wellbeing While Waiting: Effectiveness and implementation of youth social prescribing for young people awaiting CAMHS support, European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. DOI: 10.1007/s00787-026-03074-8
Journal information: European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Provided by University College London
