Can I Get Free Prescribed Social Care?

Prescribed social care is an essential part of many people’s wellbeing journeys, but many are unsure if it’s available to them for free. The answer is: it depends on your circumstances and location, but there are options.

What Is Prescribed Social Care?

Prescribed social care, sometimes referred to as social prescribing, involves healthcare professionals referring people to non-medical services that improve wellbeing. These services can include:

• Talking to someone regularly

• Joining community groups

• Accessing practical support such as housing or financial advice

• Engaging in creative or physical activities

These services aim to reduce pressure on clinical services and support people holistically, especially when they don’t necessarily need medication or therapy.

If you’re wondering, how do I get prescribed social care in Leeds, the answer starts with either a GP referral or a local care needs assessment through your council. But if you face delays, there are faster alternatives that still offer life-changing support.

Can You Get Prescribed Social Care for Free?

In many cases, yes, but it depends on your local authority, your GP practice, and your needs assessment.

1. NHS England

"Social prescribing is free and available via a referral from your GP, nurse or healthcare team."Source: NHS England, Social Prescribing

2. GOV.UK Care Needs Assessment

"You could get support like personal care, help at home or access to local social activities. Your local council will assess whether you qualify."Source: GOV.UK, Care Needs Assessment

3. NHS, Community Support

"People with long-term conditions or who are feeling lonely can be referred to link workers for support services in the community."Source: NHS, Social Care Guide

4. Department of Health and Social Care

"Social prescribing plays a vital role in addressing the wider determinants of health, such as isolation, housing and debt."Source: DHSC Policy Paper

While these services are technically free, waiting times can be long, and not everyone qualifies, particularly those who are struggling but don’t meet the clinical threshold for traditional mental health support.

Talking Reduces Stress: The Medical Evidence

Scientific studies have consistently shown that talking to someone can reduce stress and improve mental health outcomes:

• A 2021 study published by NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) found that people who received regular social prescribing sessions showed significant reductions in anxiety and loneliness within 12 weeks(NIHR Evidence)

• According to the NHS, human connection helps release oxytocin and serotonin, which naturally lower cortisol, the stress hormone(NHS Mental Health Guide)

• The British Psychological Society explains that simply being listened to helps regulate the brain’s limbic system, which is involved in emotional processing and stress(BPS Research Digest)

How VÕS HELP Bridges the Gap

This is where VÕS HELP steps in. We offer a unique prescribed social care app in Leeds that gives you instant access to a trained professional, no referral required.

Whether you're trying to access prescribed social care in Leeds and are stuck on a waiting list, or simply want to feel more connected, our service offers an immediate solution.

• Only £20 per session, which is half the average rate in the UK

• Instant access, no GP or assessment needed

• Perfect for anyone feeling isolated, overwhelmed or just in need of someone to talk to

• Support for people who may not have a clinical mental health issue, but still need help to feel included and heard

By offering a simple way to talk to someone Leeds, we’re helping more people stay connected and mentally well, even if they don’t qualify for free NHS services.

Why Inclusion Matters

The truth is, not everyone with a wellbeing need is diagnosed with a mental illness. Many people feel disconnected, lonely or anxious, and fall through the cracks of traditional systems. VÕS HELP ensures they don’t.

If you’re searching for mental health Leeds, or wondering how do I get prescribed social care in Leeds, we’re here to fill that gap. We believe everyone deserves someone to talk to, with VÕS HELP, you can access that support instantly.

Whether you're using a mental health app Leeds, or looking for compassionate prescribed social care in Leeds, VÕS HELP is designed to give you a lifeline, fast, human, and effective.

Ready to feel better? Try VÕS HELP today and see the difference a real conversation can make.