In response to the recommendations of the Parliamentary Inquiry into Loneliness and Social Isolation, the Queensland Government is conducting trial social prescribing program in 10 Neighbourhood Centre locations with the focus on families with children aged 0-18, presenting an opportunity to experiment with a cohort traditionally overlooked in social prescribing models.
The Neighbourhood Centres selected for this trial are Inala Community Hub, Deception Bay Neighbourhood Centre, Lockyer Community Centre, Mareeba Community Centre, Crestmead Community Centre (PCYC), Yeppoon Community Centre (Livingstone Shire Council), Blackall Tambo Neighbourhood Centre (Blackall Tambo Shire Council), Studio Village Community Centre, Wilsonton Heights Neighbourhood Centre and Nambour Community Centre.
At these locations, a funded link worker will accept referrals from medical and other stakeholders to link individuals experiencing loneliness and social isolation with community activities to improve individual and family wellbeing. Additionally, several further Neighbourhood Centre locations are undertaking other social prescribing programs including Mount Gravatt Community Centre, Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre and North Townsville Community Hub (NOTCH).
Not sure what Social Prescribing is? Here’s an explainer video: What is social prescribing and how we can help – YouTube.