Imagine receiving a prescription to attend fun events and activities within your community or picking fresh vegetables from a community garden. Perhaps your prescription connects you with local transportation services allowing you to visit with friends! These prescriptions are all part of WCHC’s social prescribing service.
What is social prescribing?
Social prescribing works to help you address non-medical needs that may be impacting your overall health and wellbeing. This may include things such as social isolation, food insecurity, transportation needs, financial support, and much more. These factors and more can have an impact on your daily lives, and not being connected with the proper supports can lead to a decrease in our overall health. Through social prescribing, we’ll work with you to help address these needs and work towards your goals.
How does it work?
A social prescription is all about your unique interests and goals. Each prescription is tailor made to best fit what type of support you have in mind. You’ll meet with our system navigator, who will get to know more about what type of services and activities you’re looking for and will create a custom plan to connect you with them.
Social prescribing works from a health equity perspective – this means that we work with you to address any additional needs you may have to access your social prescription. For example- If you’re looking to join a new club but are unable to get there due to transportation needs, we will work to connect you with services to ensure you are able to attend.
What can social prescribing connect me with?
As we mentioned above, a social prescription is different for everyone. It’s all about really listening to your needs and goals and working together to create a plan. Some examples of what a social prescription may look like are:
Joining the local senior's association to attend activities and meet new friends.
Connecting with your local food bank to receive fresh food, bread, or monthly hampers for you and your family.
Helping you complete application forms for transportation support, allowing you to get to the activities you’ve been looking to enjoy.
Connecting you with volunteer opportunities in your community, that align with your interests and skills.
And much more!
If you’re looking to learn more about services, supports, and activities in your community, meeting with our system navigator is a great place to start. To request an appointment, or get more information on social prescribing, please call 519-664-3794 ext. 237
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