Social prescribing

Social prescribing is a method of supporting health and wellbeing in communities that goes beyond traditional healthcare. Instead of focusing only on medicine and treatment, social prescribing connects people to community-based supports that can help build connection, confidence, and purpose.

Through a caring conversation with a community or health worker, people are supported to identify their individual needs and goals, and are then connected to local groups, programs, or services through a “social prescription”, which may include parenting support, sport, art, community activities, or even just a friendly chat.

Social prescribing is a person-centred, holistic approach that treats loneliness and disconnection not as symptoms to manage, but as signals to connect.

Why it matters

Strong social connections are key to a healthy life. They reduce stress, boost mental health, and help people bounce back from tough times.

Research shows that good relationships can protect health across a person’s lifetime, and community networks can also lead to better public health, education and safety. Programs that build social bonds can help individuals live fuller, more connected lives, especially in times of crisis like during major life changes.

Social prescribing initiatives

Putting Queensland Kids First social prescribing trial

Through the Queensland Government’s Putting Queensland Kids First plan, our department is partnering with the Australian Social Prescribing Institute of Research and Education (ASPIRE) to deliver and evaluate a social prescribing trial operating from 10 neighbourhood centres over 2 years from 2024-25.

While social prescribing is gaining momentum globally, the Putting Queensland Kids First trial is one of the first in Australia to focus specifically on families with children aged 0-18 through a place-based, community-led lens.

The trial is operating in the following 10 neighbourhood centres:

• Deception Bay Neighbourhood Centre
• Inala Hub Neighbourhood Centre
• Nambour Neighbourhood Centre
• Oxenford Neighbourhood Centre
• Crestmead Neighbourhood Centre
• Gatton Neighbourhood Centre (Lockyer)
• Wilsonton Heights Neighbourhood Centre
• Yeppoon Neighbourhood Centre (Livingstone)
• Blackall Neighbourhood Centre
• Mareeba Neighbourhood Centre

Ways to Wellness

Ways to Wellness social prescribing program is delivered by Mount Gravatt Community Centre for members of the local community aged 16 and above.

Footprints Community

Footprints community operates 2 social prescribing programs:

• Care Coordination Service—within Brisbane South PHN
• Social Health Connect—Redcliffe, Caboolture and Kilcoy hospital catchments

Connected Communities

Connected Communities social prescribing pilot program is delivered by Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre for people in the local community aged 18 and above.

Useful links

• Report on the 18-month evaluation of social prescribing in Queensland
• Results of effective social prescribing—video presentation
• RACGP Social Prescribing Roundtable Report (2019)
• Social Prescribing: Rapid literature review to inform primary care policy in Australia
• Social Prescribing Feasibility Study—key findings (2024)