Investing in social prescribing to improve public health

That this House is concerned that Government cuts to local government funding are reducing the ability for arts and culture to improve society’s health and wellbeing; notes that this lack of investment undermines health care professional's capability to deliver effective social prescribing initiatives through wider community groups which can provide emotional and practical support to those dealing with loneliness, mental health issues and complex social needs; further notes that social prescribing can improve health and wellbeing while simultaneously reducing the pressure on clinical health care services; and calls on the Government to increase investment in social prescribing as part of its public health strategy.