Pictured: A “Ways to Wellness” participant describing their positive experience of the project, along with Davinia Abbott, Wellbeing Coordinator & Link Worker at Mt Gravatt Community Centre.
Neighbourhood Centres are taking innovative, place-based, community-driven approaches to address loneliness and social isolation, and one example of this is the whole community social prescribing program developed by Mt Gravatt Community Centre.
In 2018, Mt Gravatt Community Centre and the Queensland Community Alliance consulted with local community members and other organisations, and together, they listened to over 100 stories from the community, revealing that the number one issue of concern was loneliness and social isolation.
The community voted to act on the issue, initiating a “community-action” process that involved discussions with community groups and academics. These conversations revealed the complexity of the problem and highlighted the need to think outside the box. As a result, a working group was formed, bringing together local politicians, local churches, community organisations, the Brisbane City Council, and the University of Queensland. This collaboration led to the development of a world-leading social prescribing network pilot, ‘The Ways to Wellness Project’.
The Ways to Wellness project, supported by the Queensland Government, provides the Mt Gravatt Community Centre with a Link Worker. The Link Worker connects people who are experiencing social isolation and loneliness with group programs, activities and other wellbeing supports, helping them build meaningful relationships through social prescribing.
The project stands out because it allows for referrals from anyone in the community as well as GPs, occupational therapists, and health care providers, offering an adjunct to traditional medical treatments. It’s about normalising conversations about loneliness and social isolation and connecting people with community support that aligns with their interests and needs. Rather than simply suggesting activities like joining a gardening group, health professionals can introduce the Link Worker who will explore their interests and connect them with a group that fits them best.
“My friend suggested I join Ways to Wellness in hopes of making me feel better, both mentally and physically. After a little convincing I did. It was the best decision I ever made. Ways to Wellness first offered for me to join the craft group, which was something I enjoyed doing in the past. Since then, I also joined the sewing group and slow stitch group, I even did a mosaic class. These times I have had with a new group of people has been fantastic as I built up confidence to be around others and it brought me out of my shell. It has most importantly helped with my depression and anxiety immensely“.
“I feel like my whole world has opened up, after many years of isolation. I have confidence now. Has been a fantastic experience”.
The benefits also extend to family and friends, “Mum enjoys attending the neighbourhood centre twice each week, which has given her some routine. She appreciates the conversations with her peers (what she can hear of them) and feels more connected to her community. An extra bonus is the pressure it has taken off me to try to fill all the void she was experiencing”.
Additionally, the initiative is mapping the community and working with doctors, health professionals, community organisations, clubs, services and schools to raise awareness of both the prevalence of, and the negative health impacts of loneliness. The Ways to Wellness project participated in the University of Queensland’s 18-month evaluation of social prescribing in Queensland which highlighted the positive health and wellbeing benefits of social prescribing engagement.
The Ways to Wellness project demonstrates how a whole of community approach can address a major societal issue. In the aftermath of Loneliness Awareness Week, let’s ensure we continue to support community-led initiatives that bring people together and enhance our collective wellbeing.