So what kind of health conditions might be improved by, say, music-making?

“Music can help everyone, but it can specifically help certain conditions – and we know this from research,” says Dr Opher. “One of the areas of the brain that really lights up when you listen to music is the precortical area. That's one of the last areas that gets damaged with dementia – so people with dementia, for example, retain their ability to enjoy music. I've seen more effect with music for patients with dementia than any kind of medication.”

Social prescribing won’t replace drugs or other medical treatments where they are needed, but the NHS thinks that it could help people with complex health and social needs. For example, research has shown that people who live with long-term health conditions, or who need support with their mental health, can benefit from singing in a choir.

“I've been involved with a programme of weekly singing for mothers with post-natal depression,” says Dr Fancourt. “We found that for mothers who have post-natal depression, going and singing every week with their babies actually leads to a faster recovery from their symptoms than either social groups or usual care in the NHS.”

There's also a growing number of choirs that support the mental health of people affected by physical health conditions.

Tenovus Cancer Care in Wales, for instance, organises weekly singing sessions for people affected by cancer, including carers and the bereaved. “The research that's been done here has shown that this reduces levels of anxiety and depression, and improves people's ability to cope with their condition,” says Dr Fancourt.

Just as importantly, taking part in creative activities can help people who are lonely, or who have social needs that affect their wellbeing – taking pressure off the NHS in the long run. Dr Opher’s practice in Gloucestershire was one of the first to trial social prescribing in a big way: “We did some early research that also showed that if you get people to engage with a musician, they're actually less likely to see their doctor or go to A&E,” he says.