WHEN doctors reach for their prescription pad, most patients expect to receive a jar of pills or a bottle of ointment. Few think they will be referred to a gym or a volunteering scheme. But more and more doctors are dishing out these “social” prescriptions—and some even think the idea could relieve pressure on the National Health Service.

Social-prescribing schemes, in which doctors refer patients to non-medical treatments, are catching on, says Marie Polley, co-chair of the Social Prescribing Network of health workers and academics. That is partly due to recognition that some long-term conditions, such as diabetes, can improve with lifestyle changes. Last year Sadiq Khan, London’s mayor, included the idea in his health plan for the capital. A recent count found that London already had over 50 schemes. All general practitioners (GPs) in Gloucestershire can now refer patients to a social-prescribing service.

One common prescription is for more exercise. In the East Riding of Yorkshire GPs can book patients into sessions at a leisure centre. Invalids can select activities such as swimming and gym sessions. The scheme is subsidised, costing only £33 ($46) for 20 one-on-one sessions.

Many social-prescribing initiatives are aimed at mental-health patients. In Cambridgeshire and Cornwall, Arts and Minds, a charity, runs weekly workshops, part-funded by councils, where patients can sketch and sculpt. Researchers found that most participants on the 12-week course felt happier and less depressed. Volunteering, which eases loneliness, is prescribed in parts of Scotland and in Blackburn. Some GPs refer patients to “link workers” who can arrange for support such as financial advice.

Wellbeing Enterprises, a social enterprise near Liverpool, helps to organise activities including ukulele lessons and tango classes for patients referred by GPs. One group formed a choir. The programme relies on funding from the NHS, National Lottery and local councils. But it more than pays for itself, says Mark Swift, the outfit’s boss. He claims that the project saves the public purse over £10 for every £1 spent, mainly in forgone treatment bills.

Another advantage is the reduction of pressure on doctors. One review of studies on social prescribing showed that, on average, it was associated with a 28% fall in GP visits and a 24% drop in attendance at emergency wards. If such benefits were reproduced at scale, NHS bosses would be dancing and singing, too.