Digital Health & Wellbeing

The Referral Beyond the Surgery: What Social Prescribing Really Delivers, and Where It Falls Short

A GP appointment about aching joints and low mood can end with a referral not to physiotherapy but to a gardening group on the edge of town. Drawing on an interview with a link worker in Greater Manchester and a clear-eyed reading of the evidence, this feature explains what social prescribing offers, why provision varies so sharply between areas, and how to get more from a referral when one arrives.

Nov 8, 2026

When a Notification Becomes a Diagnosis: Wearables and Health Anxiety in Britain

A smartwatch can flag an irregular heartbeat or a poor night’s sleep, but it cannot tell you what that means for your health. In 2026, as wearable data becomes more detailed, UK adults need a clearer line between useful self-monitoring and anxious over-reading. This hybrid explainer and opinion piece explores the evidence and offers practical limits.

Nov 8, 2026