Randomised controlled trial of social prescribing in schools to reduce loneliness in pupils (INACT): Trial study protocol

Abstract Background Social prescribing (SP) connects individuals with sources of support within their local communities and has been shown to improve loneliness. However, uptake from young people (YP) has been lower than for adults, in part due to them not accessing SP in primary care where it has been predominantly based. The INACT (INcreasing AdolesCent social and community support) programme is a novel, co-produced, SP pathway via schools for YP to access community assets and support. Methods This trial utilises a two-group (intervention vs. active control) parallel randomised design, with YP as the unit of randomisation. A minimum of 215 YP will be recruited across approximately 30 mainstream schools (primary and secondary) in England. YP reporting high levels of loneliness (7 or above on the Good Childhood index) will be randomly allocated to receive either SP or signposting. SP will consist of 6-12 sessions with a Link Worker who will work with individuals, on a one-to-one basis, to understand ‘what matters to them’ and connect them with local sources of support, whilst pupils in the signposting arm will receive a leaflet from a school staff member detailing the same sources of support. YP will be followed up at 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment allocation. Secondary outcome measures include wellbeing, emotional difficulties, service use, health related quality of life, stress, emotional regulation, as well as intervention feasibility, acceptability and appropriateness. Data about health-related quality of life and service use will be used to investigate the cost-effectiveness of the INACT programme. Discussion This trial will provide robust evidence about the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the INACT programme and whether it can be recommended for use in practice. The trial is due to finish 30 June 2027.