B1-Social Health Connect: Evidence and Insights from a Scalable Model of Community-Based Social Prescribing
Social Health Connect (SHC) is an equitable access program for adults addressing social determinants of health through a flexible referral and Link Worker model using a place-based, community-led approach. Delivered by Footprints Community across the northern parts of the Brisbane North PHN catchment—including Caboolture, Kilcoy, and Redcliffe—the program supports individuals experiencing social isolation, housing instability, and other barriers to wellbeing by connecting them with local services and supports.
Embedded in community and general practice, this social prescribing trial was guided by a Brisbane North PHN-led needs assessment, identifying priority areas and informing place-based delivery. Commissioned by the PHN, this trial also partnered with the University of Queensland to include a robust evaluation framework ensuring consistent data collection, analysis, and dissemination of outcomes to support advocacy and future commissioning.
SHC evaluation findings were substantial. Between 2023 and 2025, over 200 clients accessed SHC with entry and exit survey data revealing significant improvements for almost all collected measures of health, wellbeing, and social connectedness. These included fewer reported visits to Emergency, improved ratings of loneliness, overall health, and satisfaction that social and psychological needs were being met. Interviews with 21 stakeholders—including referrers, service providers, clients, and group facilitators—indicated that SHC was highly acceptable and impactful among clients, referrers, and group facilitators, provided a unique contribution to community wellbeing, and showed strong foundations for improvement and sustainability into the future.
SHC, currently funded until 2027, demonstrates a scalable model for successful, integrated, community-based social prescribing in an Australian suburban population at considerable socioeconomic disadvantage. This presentation will share key findings and practical insights for expanding social prescribing through flexible referral pathways and strong partnerships.