Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

INcreasing Adolescent Social and Community SupporT - Full Trial

This study, called INACT, is exploring if 'Social Prescribing' can help young people aged 9-14 in schools who feel lonely. Social Prescribing connects individuals with local community groups and activities, rather than just medical treatments. The study aims to see if this approach, delivered in schools, is better than simply signposting young people to support. Researchers will recruit over 200 pupils across many schools in England. Some will receive personal support from a Link Worker to find groups that match their interests, while others will get information about available support. The study will track how loneliness, mood, and overall well-being change over 12 months, and will also look at the costs involved.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University College, London

Enrolment target

215

Start

15 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2027

Loneliness

What is this study about?

Feeling lonely can be tough for anyone, especially young people. This study, called INACT (INcreasing Adolescent Social and Community SupporT), is designed to find new and better ways to help young people aged 9 to 14 who often feel lonely. It's looking at something called 'Social Prescribing' within schools. Social Prescribing isn't about giving medicine; it's about connecting people with non-medical support and activities in their local community that can help improve their well-being. For example, it might involve finding a sports club, an art class, a youth group, or a volunteering opportunity that matches what a young person enjoys and needs.

We know that Social Prescribing has helped adults feel less lonely, but it hasn't been used as much for young people, partly because they don't always go to their doctor for help with feeling lonely. This study is building on a smaller pilot project that showed delivering Social Prescribing through schools could be a good idea and was liked by young people, the support workers, and school staff. Now, this larger study wants to check if it really works effectively and if it's a good use of resources compared to just giving information about local support.

The main goal is to understand if Social Prescribing in schools can genuinely make a difference to how lonely young people feel, improve their mental well-being, and help them feel more connected to their community. It will also look at what kinds of activities young people choose to join and what might make it easier or harder for them to take part.

Key takeaways

Looks at helping lonely young people aged 9-14.
Compares community-based support ('Social Prescribing') to simply getting information.
Takes place in schools in England.
No medicines are involved, only community activities.
Participation lasts 12 months, with follow-up questionnaires.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for schools and pupils in England to take part. For schools, it needs to be a standard primary or secondary school, not a private school, specialist school, or one that offers only alternative education. The school must be willing to join the study and have pupils in school years 5, 7, or 8 who are interested.

For individual pupils, they need to be in school years 5, 7, or 8. They also need to be feeling quite lonely, which will be checked using a special questionnaire where they score 7 or higher. Both the pupil and their parent or guardian must agree for them to take part. Children who have severe learning disabilities that would make it difficult for them to complete questionnaires won't be able to join this study.

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.

Is the child in school Year 5, 7, or 8?
Does the child often feel lonely (this will be checked with questions)?
Is the child attending a standard, mainstream school in England?
Are both the child and their parent/guardian happy for them to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you or your child takes part, it will involve them being randomly put into one of two groups. One group will receive 'Social Prescribing', which means they will have up to six one-on-one meetings with a special support person (called a Link Worker). This Link Worker will talk with them about what they enjoy and what matters to them, then help them find and connect with local community groups or activities. The other group will be 'signposted', which means school staff will give them information about different sources of support available to them locally.

Everyone taking part will complete questionnaires at the beginning of the study, and then again after 3, 6, and 12 months. These questionnaires will ask about how lonely they feel, their mood, general well-being, and any services they've used. Some young people, parents, and school staff might also be asked to do an interview to share their experiences. The total duration of active participation for each pupil, with follow-up, will be 12 months.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer young people the chance to connect with new activities and groups in their community, which may help them feel less lonely and improve their overall well-being. It also contributes to important research that could help many other young people in the future. We don't expect any direct risks from taking part, as the activities are community-based and support focused. However, some questions might be about sensitive topics like loneliness or mood, which could be uncomfortable for some. Your involvement is completely voluntary, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it won't affect any support you or your child usually receives.

Locations (1)

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

Behavioural Science and Health, UCL
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is 'Social Prescribing'?

It's a way of helping people by connecting them with local activities, groups, or support in their community, rather than just giving them medicines.

Who can take part in this study?

Young people aged 9-14 in school years 5, 7, or 8 in certain schools in England who often feel lonely, and whose parents agree.

Will my child have to take any medicine?

No, this study does not involve any medication. It focuses on community support and activities.

How long does the study last?

If your child takes part, they will be involved for 12 months, answering questionnaires at different points during that year.

Can we stop taking part if we change our minds?

Yes, you or your child can choose to stop taking part at any time, for any reason, without it affecting their care or standing at school.