Social Prescribing Day 2025, on Wednesday 19th March, celebrates an innovative, person-centred approach to healthcare. Social prescribing connects people with non-medical activities and support within their local community to improve their overall wellbeing. Social Prescribing Day 2025 showcases how activities like art classes, gardening, volunteering, and exercise improve health through meaningful connections and purpose.

At Move it or Lose it, we are thrilled to be part of this movement. We support older people through our network of community groups. As passionate advocates for healthier ageing, we recognise the profound impact that physical activity and social engagement can have on both mental and physical health.

This Social Prescribing Day 25, we’re extending a warm welcome to any new participants referred through social prescribing networks by offering free access to our classes during that week. It’s our way of showing just how transformative these classes can be.

What is Social Prescribing?

Social prescribing is about taking a holistic approach to health. Rather than focusing solely on medical interventions, it empowers individuals to take charge of their wellbeing by connecting them to community resources and activities.

Social prescribing aligns closely with the NHS Long Term Plan, which aims to improve the nation’s health by tackling the root causes of illness and empowering communities to take charge of their wellbeing.

Social prescribing link workers, often part of primary care network teams, work closely with patients to understand their needs, interests, and challenges. Together, they create a tailored plan that might include joining a community based support group, trying out new activity groups, or attending exercise sessions.

The aim is simple: to address the root causes of poor health – such as loneliness, inactivity, or stress – by fostering a sense of belonging and purpose.

Why Exercise and Social Connection Are Vital for Older Adults

As we age, maintaining physical activity and social connections becomes even more crucial. Yet, older adults often face barriers to both, including mobility issues, shrinking social circles, and a lack of accessible opportunities.

Research consistently highlights the benefits of regular exercise and social interaction:

1. Improved Physical Health: Staying active helps prevent or manage chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis. It also improves strength, balance, and flexibility, reducing the risk of falls and maintaining independence.

2. Better Mental Health: Exercise releases endorphins, reducing feelings of anxiety and depression. Meanwhile, socialising combats loneliness, a factor linked to poor health outcomes and increased mortality risk.

3. Enhanced Cognitive Function: Physical activity and engaging conversations can boost brain health, helping to delay the onset of cognitive decline and conditions like dementia.

4. A Sense of Purpose: Being part of a group, setting goals, and celebrating achievements fosters self-esteem and a renewed sense of purpose in later life.

At Move it or Lose it, our classes bring together these key ingredients. They’re designed to be fun, inclusive, and adaptable, catering to people of all abilities. Our mission is to support people not just survive but thrive.

How Move it or Lose it Supports Social Prescribing Services

For Social Prescribing Day 2025, we’re inviting new participants referred by link workers and healthcare professionals to experience Move it or Lose it classes free of charge during the week of March 19th. Whether it’s your first time exercising in a group or you’re looking to rediscover the joy of movement, our friendly instructors will ensure you feel welcome and supported.

Our classes focus on FABS:

• Flexibility: Gentle stretches to improve joint mobility and posture.

• Aerobic Fitness: Low-impact exercises to get the heart pumping, boosting cardiovascular health.

• Balance: Targeted movements to improve balance and reduce the risk of falls.

• Strength: Strengthening exercises to build muscle and support bone health.

Beyond the physical benefits, our classes foster an incredible sense of community. Participants often tell us how much they value the friendships they’ve formed and the confidence they’ve gained. For many, it’s not just about the exercises; it’s about the laughs, the shared moments, and the sense of belonging.

Real Stories, Real Impact

Margaret, one of our regular participants, shared her experience: “I was referred to Move it or Lose it through my GP, and I’ll admit I was nervous about joining. But from the moment I stepped into the class, I was made to feel so welcome. I’ve noticed such a difference in my balance and strength, and I’ve made new friends who brighten my week. It’s been life changing.”

Stories like Margaret’s highlight the power of social prescribing. It’s about much more than physical improvements; it’s about rediscovering joy and reclaiming independence.

Join Us This Social Prescribing Day

If you or someone you know could benefit from Move it or Lose it classes, now is the perfect time to get involved. Whether you’re referred through social prescribing or simply curious to try something new, our doors are open.

To find a class near you, visit our classfinder or speak to your local social prescribing link worker. Let’s make Social Prescribing Day 2025 a stepping stone to better health, stronger communities, and brighter futures.

Together, we can show that it’s never too late to move more, connect more, and live more. Join us and see the difference for yourself!