Mapping community‐based services for social prescribing for children and young people living with obesity across South Yorkshire

Background.

High numbers of young people are living with obesity in England, with associated negative impacts on their mental and physical health. Social prescribing involves professionals referring individuals to community-based services to provide additional health and well-being support. Social prescribing may be a helpful way to provide holistic support to young people living with obesity alongside weight management services. However, there is a need to better understand the availability of community-based services that could provide this support.

Aims.

This study aimed to explore the process for mapping community-based services to be part of a social prescribing offer within children’s specialist weight management services in one region of England and to provide an understanding of the availability of community-based services in this region that are accessible for this population.

Method.

Community-based services providing physical activity opportunities to young people in an area local to a specialist weight management service (South Yorkshire) were mapped using a mixed methods approach, including scoping of online resources and meetings with relevant contacts. Services were identified and reviewed against criteria developed through stakeholder engagement to assess suitability for young people living with obesity.

Results.

A total of 933 community-based services were identified across South Yorkshire between January and June 2023. Scoping and suitability assessment of these services took 6 months. There was often limited information provided about services, particularly relating to costs. Nineteen services met all suitability criteria.

Conclusion.

It requires time and capacity to identify relevant community-based services as part of a social prescribing offering. Although a high number of services were identified, few of these were suitable for young people living with obesity. Consideration should be given to how young people can be supported to access services, as well as how services can be supported to meet the needs of young people living with severe obesity.