D2-The role of faith organisations in sustaining social prescribing
Podium 4
1:50 PM - 2:10 PMTue
Podium 4
Culture, Faith & Heritage
Speakers
Tamara Espinet
NAYBA Australia
Introduction: Loneliness is an escalating public health crisis in Australia, demanding urgent, community-led responses. Churches are uniquely positioned to be part of the solution—embedded in local neighbourhoods, trusted by their communities, and deeply committed to long-term, relational care. NAYBA’s Social Prescribing Pilot explores how churches can be integrated into the broader social prescribing ecosystem as hyper-local, relationally rich spaces of connection and belonging. By identifying, mapping, and activating the diverse services and support already offered by churches, this initiative seeks to create clear referral pathways that bridge the gap between isolated individuals and the communities ready to walk alongside them. Method: The pilot involved a multi-phase approach including stakeholder engagement, data collection from church-based initiatives, and the integration of this data into an appropriate digital service directory. This is coupled with the design of referral pathways and co-designed workshops with healthcare providers, social prescribing professionals, and church leaders. The project prioritised engagement strategies for a range of demographic groups and placed a strong emphasis on community-led, relational models of care. Results: Initial findings reveal that churches provide more than just programs—they offer a relational and holistic response to loneliness, grounded in long-term commitment to place and people. The service directory uncovered a diverse range of church-led initiatives spanning emotional, practical, and spiritual support. Stakeholders expressed enthusiasm for formalised referral pathways that connect individuals with these resources. Discussion: This project demonstrates the untapped potential of the faith sector in social prescribing practice. Churches are not constrained by funding cycles or service models, allowing for continuity and depth of care. The pilot aligns with ASPIRE’s themes of Connection, Community, and Growth, offering scalable, sustainable strategies for enhancing community cohesion through local, relational infrastructure. Our next phase focuses on expanding the directory nationally and piloting active referral pathways in collaboration with healthcare providers.