Regional Coordinator of the Community Connections Program
Lutheran Care
The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines health as a state of complete wellbeing. They state that due to social wellbeing being overlooked, this is a major public health challenge, that must be addressed immediately. It is suggested that the Social Prescribing Medical Model, which integrates social & community supports into healthcare, offers the most direct solution. The issue then is how best to acquire funding to address this clear clinical need?
The Community Connections Program (CCP) was the first service in Australia to adopt the Social Prescribing Clinical Model. It acts in the role of a Link Worker. In research conducted by Flinders University & Lutheran Care, it was determined that a number of innovations would greatly improve referral outcomes. These included highlighting the importance of wellbeing in the community, embedding appropriate screening techniques, & adopting effective triage. When DHS (CCP funder) heard that Barossa clinicians were interested in funding Social Prescribing opportunities, they connected all parties.
Discussions are currently underway to determine whether a funded position could be created in the Barossa. If successful, this new role will address key issues identified through previous community consultations. It is hoped that it may be possible to embed a ‘Wellbeing Link Worker’ in a local practice, or hospital. The Initial Assessment & Referral Decision Support Tool (IAR-DST) is being assessed for dual use as both an effective screening & triage tool.
It is suggested that the funding opportunities being explored in 2025, are directly attributable to the research into Co-Designing Social Prescribing conducted in 2024. Consequently, it is argued that listening to Community Voice is critical in designing effective Social Prescribing solutions. In addition, it is suggested that funders recognise the power of leveraging community insights gained through lived experience, often rewarding providers that choose this path.