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Social Prescribing at SCHC: Connecting Community and Well-being

February 2, 2024

Written by Perris Kajirwa, Project Manager – Community Health Centre

We are excited to announce the launch of our innovative Social Prescribing program here at Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities! As an organization committed to promoting holistic well-being and equitable access to healthcare services, we believe that health extends far beyond medical treatment. That’s why we have introduced Social Prescribing—an approach that recognizes the importance of social determinants in influencing an individual’s health and well-being. 

What is Social Prescribing? 

Social prescribing is a healthcare initiative that aims to address the diverse needs of individuals by connecting them with non-medical support services and community resources. It involves a referral pathway where individuals are prescribed personalized interventions tailored to their unique needs, challenges, and aspirations. These interventions include joining social groups, engaging in physical activities, participating in arts and cultural programs, accessing mental health support services, and much more. 

Referral Pathway: A Seamless Journey to Well-being 

At SCHC, we have developed a seamless referral pathway to ensure individuals can access the Social Prescribing program easily. Here’s how it works: 

  1. Identification: Individuals are identified as potential candidates for social prescribing through various touchpoints, including primary care physicians, allied healthcare professionals, and community workers such as caseworkers and social workers. 
  1. Assessment: Our dedicated team of social prescribing link workers conducts comprehensive assessments with individuals to understand their unique needs, challenges, and goals. This assessment helps us tailor interventions that are most suitable for their well-being. 
  1. Prescription: Based on the assessment, our social prescribing link workers “prescribe” personalized interventions, which serve as a roadmap to guide individuals towards improved well-being. These prescriptions connect individuals with the relevant community resources and support services. 
  1. Connection: Our link workers work closely with individuals to connect them with the identified resources and services. They provide ongoing support, guidance, and encouragement throughout the process. 

Success Stories: Transforming Lives through Social Prescribing 

Since the launch of our Social Prescribing program, we have witnessed remarkable success stories, demonstrating the positive impact of personalized interventions on individuals’ lives.  

Donna F.L., “Social prescribing has been a smooth process so far from the referral with my doctor to the consultation appointment with the link worker, Lisa. I was connected to the link worker and within 5 days I was booked into two community programs! I signed up for dancing and cycle fit classes with Dawn. I’m currently enjoying these classes and eagerly looking forward to my next class tomorrow. I wish more people in the community knew the resources we have available to us such as the social prescribing among the many programs at SCHC!” 

This inspiring story fuels our commitment to expanding and enhancing the Social Prescribing program, ensuring that more individuals in our community can benefit from this transformative approach to well-being. 

Get Involved and Learn More! 

We invite you to join us in embracing the power of Social Prescribing. If you are interested in participating in the program or want to learn more, please contact us at (416)-847-4134. You can also visit our website at Social Prescribing – Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities (schcontario.ca) to explore additional details and access our online referral platform. 

Together, let’s foster a healthier, connected, and thriving community through Social Prescribing. 

Social Prescribing