Who is Social Prescribing for?
Social Prescribing can benefit everyone!
Many circumstances can contribute to greater need for this type of intervention, including:
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Living with social isolation, depression or anxiety
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Living with multiple health conditions (comorbidity) or disability
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Aging and other life stage transitions
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Pre-existing mental health conditions
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Significant life events and trauma
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Lengthy recovery from injury
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Living with cultural or language barriers
Social Prescribing addresses
Social Determinants of Health
What are the benefits?
Empowering people living
with chronic conditions to
manage their lives
Aligns with patients'
interests and goals
Person-centred model
Holistic needs assessment
Increases skills and
work readiness
Decreased feelings of loneliness
Improved mental health
Sense of community belonging
Increased social and
community connections
Rediscovering new or past
interests, skills and talents
Increased confidence,
capabilities and relationships
Addresses Social
Determinants of Health
Increased health
education and literacy
Supports existing community
services and resources
Reduces burden on
hospital and GP services
How does it work in action?
Where
Social
Prescribing
fits in the
broader
care
environment
Following an accident Corey underwent shoulder reconstruction, hip replacement and several hernia operations.
Corey lost his job as an arborist – he felt frustrated, disappointed and lost.
Corey was becoming very isolated and depressed as he could no longer participate in fun activities, including speed climbing, that he used to enjoy doing with his family and a regular climbing group.
Case Study: Corey
With the help of his Link Worker, Corey was supported to explore his interests and connect to local community groups.
Corey joined art, social and relaxation groups, which helped him to connect with new people to increase his social network, as well as to support the development of new family activities.
Corey’s Link Worker also guided him in developing a positive structure to his week, so much so that he now looks forward to what each new week brings.
He found that having a Link Worker and meeting new friends meant that he had people on his side who listened and cared.
“I do things now that I like to do. Rather than only the things I have to do, such as medical appointments”
More Case Studies
Research & Evidence
📄 2023 Report "The Social Prescribing Library"
📄 2023 Report "18 Month Evaluation of Social Prescribing in Queensland"
📄 2023 Article "Nature prescriptions: practical progress"
📄 2022 Research Article "Social prescribing link workers - A qualitative Australian perspective"
📄 2022 Review "Social Prescribing: A Review of the Literature"
📄 2022 Study "The effect of social prescribing programs on loneliness for adults in Queensland"
📄 2021 Report "More than Medicine: Exploring Social Prescribing in Australia"
📄 2020 Report "Social Participation Among Older Adults Receiving Community Care Services"
📄 2019 Report Excerpt "icare Foundation Social and Economic Impact ... Plus Social® Program"
📄 2019 Report "RACGP & CHF Social Prescribing Roundtable"