RecruitingInterventional

Exploring whether social prescribing can help people living with dementia: A feasibility study

This study looks at how a service called 'social prescribing' can help people living with dementia. Social prescribing connects people to local activities and support, which can reduce loneliness and improve well-being. We've developed special training for 'social prescribers' to better support people with dementia. Half of the GP practices in the study will get this training, while the other half will continue with usual care. The main goal is to see if our approach works well enough to do a bigger study later. This will involve checking how easy it is to find and recruit people, collect information, and how well the new support is liked and used. Your feedback is important to help us improve care for people with dementia in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of East Anglia

Enrolment target

Start

11 May 2026

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2026

Dementia and Neurodegeneration

What is this study about?

This study is called SPLENDID, and it's trying to find out if social prescribing can be a good way to support people living with dementia. Social prescribing is a free service that connects you to different activities, groups, and support in your local community. Things like walking groups, art classes, or support groups for carers are all examples of social prescribing.

We know that social prescribing can help people feel less lonely and improve their overall well-being. For people with dementia, this extra support after they've been diagnosed could be really helpful. In this study, we've created special training for the people who deliver social prescribing – they're often called 'social prescribing link workers'. This training is designed to help them understand and support people with dementia better.

The main aim of this study is to see if this new, specially trained approach to social prescribing works well enough to do a much larger study in the future. We'll be looking at how easy it is to find people to take part, how to collect information, and whether people find the new support helpful. Your involvement could really help shape how we support people with dementia in the future.

Key takeaways

The study aims to improve social prescribing for people with dementia.
It compares a new trained approach with usual care in GP practices.
Your feedback helps decide if a larger study is possible in the future.
Participation involves possible new support and completing questionnaires.
There are no major risks, but your input is very valuable.
The study is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and living with dementia. You should have received your dementia diagnosis within the last two years and currently be living in your own home, not in a care home.

Your carer can also take part if you nominate them. We're also looking for GP practices and their social prescribing link workers to join the study.

To help us gather information, you also need to be able to talk in English well enough to answer some questionnaires. You, or someone else who can make decisions for you, needs to be able to understand and agree to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or over?
Have you been diagnosed with dementia in the last two years?
Do you live at home (not in a care home)?
Can you communicate in English well enough to answer questions?
Are you able to agree to take part or do you have someone who can decide for you?
Do you have a carer/family member who might also want to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part, your GP practice will either receive special training for their social prescribing link worker or continue with their usual care for social prescribing. This will be decided randomly by a computer, like drawing names from a hat. If your practice gets the special training, you might be invited to try the new SPLENDID social prescribing for 12 weeks.

Around 70 people with dementia (and their carer, family member, or friend) across all the participating practices will also be asked to fill out a questionnaire. You'll complete this questionnaire at the beginning of the study and again 14 weeks later. Doctors or nurses at your GP practice might identify you as eligible and invite you to join during your appointments. The study is planned to run for about 10 months in total, starting in February 2026.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study won't directly improve your health, but your feedback is incredibly valuable. It will help us understand how to improve support services for people with dementia in the future. If this initial study is successful, it could lead to a larger study that finds new ways to help many more people. Previous participants in similar studies have found it interesting and felt their views were heard. We believe there are no significant risks to taking part. However, some people might find it difficult or upsetting to talk about their health, or feel tired after completing the questionnaires. Remember, you can stop taking part in the study at any time without giving a reason.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Sites have not been identified yet
City only
-, England

Common questions

What is social prescribing?

Social prescribing connects you to local activities, groups, and support, like art classes or walking groups, to help your well-being.

Who is running this study?

The study is organised by the Norwich Clinical Trials Unit at the University of East Anglia, with help from other universities.

How long will the study last?

The study itself is expected to run for about 10 months, starting in February 2026.

Will I get special treatment if I join?

You might be offered the SPLENDID social prescribing for 12 weeks if your GP practice is randomly chosen for the special training.

Can my family be involved?

Yes, if you nominate them, your carer, family member, or friend can also take part in answering questionnaires with you.

How to find out more

Jane Cross

j.cross@uea.ac.uk - Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.