Teesside University launches Social Prescribing Service to support student wellbeing

Teesside University is proud to announce the launch of a Social Prescribing Service aimed at enhancing student health and wellbeing. This initiative reflects our commitment to providing holistic support, recognising that factors such as social isolation, loneliness, practical needs, and other social needs can significantly impact students' academic success and personal development.

Social prescribing is an innovative approach that connects individuals to non-medical community-based activities, groups, and services to address their social, emotional, and practical needs, aiming to improve their health and well. In the UK, social prescribing link workers assist individuals by linking them to local activities and services, empowering them with more choices and fostering a sense of community engagement.

Central to this service is the recruitment of student volunteers who will act as social prescribers. These volunteers will guide their peers in accessing a wide range of health and wellbeing resources available both on and off-campus. The role offers numerous benefits, including enhanced employability—particularly for psychology undergraduates—through practical experience relevant to entry-level roles in psychology and related fields. Volunteers will undertake training and, also gain a comprehensive understanding of local services and develop valuable interpersonal skills by supporting fellow students.

The primary objective of the social prescriber volunteer is to assist students in navigating the diverse support systems available to them. Anticipated outcomes include reduced social isolation through encouraging participation in community activities, timely access to health and wellbeing services, increased awareness of community resources, improved overall wellbeing by addressing non-medical factors, and enhanced academic performance through better focus and engagement.

Recognising the diverse makeup of our student body, we are dedicated to ensuring that the Social Prescribing Service is inclusive and responsive to the needs of all students, including international students. By recruiting volunteers from various backgrounds, the service aims to provide culturally sensitive support that acknowledges and respects the varied experiences within the University community. This approach ensures that every student feels understood and valued, reinforcing the University's dedication to inclusivity.

“I am incredibly excited and feel privileged to be involved in this Social Prescribing initiative. I was drawn to this project because I strongly believe in the power of community-based support to improve well-being, and I'm passionate about making a tangible difference in people's lives. It's a truly rewarding experience, and I'm enjoying every step of the journey as I learn and contribute. This project offers a wonderful platform for professional growth and aligns perfectly with my aspirations in the field of psychology.” – Sehrish, Social Prescribing Student Volunteer

“There are so many excellent services and activities within the university and in the local community. The new Teesside University social prescribing service offers students the opportunity to connect with these services and activities and help to support and improve their health and wellbeing. We are really pleased to be bringing this new service to our students at Teesside University” – Hazel Wright Wellbeing Services Co-ordinator

For more information about the Social Prescribing Service or to become a volunteer, please email: socialprescribing@tees.ac.uk

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