Furthermore, 59% of GPs reported that social prescribing reduces workload, and leads to an overall reduction in the use of NHS services. Coney’s transformative and innovative approach couldn't be more timely - NHS budgets continue to be cut, yet the workforce is shrinking and the needs of society are increasingly complex. Whilst we must still maintain pressure on our government to address the injustices in our public healthcare system, we cannot shy away from the necessary interventions required in order to support those who suffer most at the hands of austerity.
Coney’s Playful Prescription will not only improve the take up of social prescriptions, it will enhance its wider offer by bolstering it with individual patient insight and tackling the barriers patients face with social prescription head on; such as self-confidence, isolation, intimidation, and unfamiliarity with cultural and social engagement. In doing so, Coney’s social prescribing platform will support people in the management of their own care, particularly patients suffering from depression given that it is associated with a 50% increase in mortality for all diseases.
