Sauna and cold plunge, free for people referred through social prescribing.
We run wood-fired outdoor sauna and cold plunge sessions at sites across the UK. We hold up to 10% of our overall capacity, free of charge, for people referred to us by link workers and other health and community professionals.
Who it's for
Adults referred by link workers, GPs, mental health teams, support workers, or community organisations. People dealing with low mood, anxiety, chronic pain, burnout, social isolation, recovery from illness, or anyone whose wellbeing you think would meaningfully benefit from regular sauna and cold exposure.
We can't help with:
- Under 18s
- People with conditions where sauna or cold exposure is medically contraindicated (please advise them to check with their GP first if there is any doubt)
- People who can't get to one of our sites under their own arrangements
What happens in a session
- Mixed group booking with other guests
- A wood-fired outdoor sauna and a cold plunge tub
- A host on site to welcome everyone
- A hot drink included
- Calm, social atmosphere
Silent and social sessions are available at certain times and can be selected when booking.
Guests should bring swimwear, two towels (one for the sauna and one for after the cold plunge), and a water bottle.
For full details including session length, please review the guest guidance and the relevant booking page before referring.
Cost
Free for the person being referred. We don't take payment from referrers or partners.
Transport
We don't offer transport support or cover travel costs. Our sites are outdoors and not all are near public transport, so please factor that in when deciding whether to refer.
Where we are
Sites across the UK. New ones open regularly; the full current list is at youcansauna.com/locations
Health and safety
Sauna and cold plunge are safe for most adults but there are real considerations. We ask referrers to check with the person's GP first if any of the following apply, or if there's any other reason sauna or cold water might be unsafe for them:
- Heart conditions or uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Pregnancy
- Recent surgery
- Significant respiratory illness
- Epilepsy
- Acute illness or infection
Sessions are alcohol-free and we won't admit anyone to the sauna or cold plunge if they appear unwell or under the influence.
Evidence
We don't currently collect outcomes data on social prescribing referrals. The benefits of regular sauna use are well evidenced in long-running research, particularly around cardiovascular health, stress, sleep, and mood. The evidence base for cold exposure on mental health is smaller but growing. We rely on this established research rather than producing our own.
How to refer
Use one of the Refer buttons at the top of this page. Each goes to that site's referral form on Joy. When we receive a referral, we send the person a booking code quickly so they can book a session on our standard booking page.
If you'd prefer to hold codes yourself and pass them to people directly, get in touch and we can set that up.
For questions before referring, email hq@youcansauna.com.
FAQ for referrers
How long until they can attend?
Within a week.
Can the person come alone?
Yes. Sessions are mixed group so they'll be with other guests, but they don't need to bring anyone with them.
Are there single-sex sessions?
Sessions are mixed and open to all adults. If you identify sustained demand for single-sex sessions in a particular community, get in touch and we'll look at whether a dedicated regular time at a specific site is workable.
What if they're nervous?
Our hosts are experienced with first-timers and nervous guests. The session is paced so people can opt in or out of the cold plunge at their own comfort level. Nobody is pressured.
What if they don't turn up?
We don't penalise no-shows but we ask people to let us know if they can't make it so we can offer the slot to someone else. Repeated no-shows from the same person mean we may not be able to keep offering them sessions.
Can I refer multiple people from my caseload?
Yes. We hold around 10% of our overall capacity for social prescribing, so we ask referrers to use the service for people who will genuinely benefit rather than as a blanket offer.
Contact for link workers
Questions before or after referring, or anything to discuss about your caseload.
hq@youcansauna.com