Small Shifts Programme

Thank you for considering a referral to the Small Shifts Programme.

Who this supports

Many people referred into social prescribing are living with ongoing stress, disrupted sleep, fatigue, or persistent physical tension.

These experiences often sit below clinical thresholds, but still affect how people feel, function, and engage with support.

For most, it’s not a lack of advice. Under ongoing demand, the body adapts, making it harder to take things in or take the next step.

Small Shifts focuses on strengthening the capacity needed to engage.

By supporting how the body regulates stress, tension, and recovery, people are better able to take part in social prescribing, health coaching, and wider community support.

Before referring

This pathway is designed for individuals who are medically stable, but not currently in need of acute or specialist support.

It is suitable for people who:

• are medically stable
• are not experiencing an acute mental health crisis
• do not require specialist rehabilitation or clinical supervision
• are able to take part in gentle, seated or low-intensity movement

It is most helpful for individuals who do not require further treatment, but are not yet ready to re-engage confidently with activity or wider support.

How it works

Referrals can be made using the short referral or self-referral form below. We review the information provided to ensure the pathway is appropriate before offering a place in the next available cohort.

If it isn’t the right fit, we’ll guide you towards more suitable options.

All participants complete a health screening and informed consent process before joining.

While the pathway is being added to local service directories, referrals can also be made directly via email.

We accept referrals from

• GPs and primary care teams
• Social Prescribing Link Workers
• Health and Wellbeing Coaches
• Care Coordinators
• Mental health practitioners
• Community and VCSE partners
• WorkWell coaches
• Self-referral (where PCNs permit)

All facilitators are DBS-checked and safeguarding trained.