ASPIRE Australian Social Prescribing Institute of Research and Education

Health announcements are swirling pre-election with measures to incentivise more bulk billing, to boost the future GP workforce and to create more urgent care centres. These have all been generally welcomed by health commentators although there are cautions and caveats. Clearly, access to GPs is the first step. Accessible primary care is the backbone of a high performing health system. If that's not assured for those who need it most, our health system is on a road to nowhere. But it is important to see additional measures geared to creating greater public value and responsiveness to contemporary needs in our health system. Part of this agenda is to 'put the social into health care' as Paresh Dawda and I wrote in this blog: https://lnkd.in/gJrYkCJz. Clinicians and consumers know only too well that life circumstances such as poor housing, financial distress and loneliness can have a negative impact on health outcomes and that, conversely, participation in community activities, acess to nature parks and social connection can help maintain health and wellbeing. A practical way to do this is a national roll-out of social prescribing, nesting it in primary care. The ASPIRE Australian Social Prescribing Institute of Research and Education submission to the 2025 Federal Budget outlines a pragmatic roadmap for making this happen: ✅ Invest in a MRFF research stream to evaluate models and build the evidence for integrated health and social care ✅ fund an independent national centre to support social prescribing service development and delivery, curate evidence and support translation into action ✅ fund a national online community assets directory to support social prescribing referrers ✅ Make provision in the Medicare Benefits Schedule health assessment and other relevant items to encourage and remunerate for the formulation of social care plans as integral to chronic disease and mental health plans and make social prescribing referrals ✅ Support primary health care services with access to validated screening tools to assist them to triage and target social prescribing services ✅ Fund PHNs to commission and place link workers in suitable settings and locations to provide a social prescribing referral pathway ✅ Build social prescribing workforce capability and capacity with education, training and professional networking for link workers. #integratedcare #socialprescribing #PrimaryHealthNetworks #multidisciplinaryteams #linkworkers #healthpolicy ASPIRE Australian Social Prescribing Institute of Research and Education Prestantia Health Dr J.R. Baker Paresh Dawda Yvonne Zurynski Rosemary V Calder Genevieve Dingle Jeffrey Braithwaite Walid Jammal Tracey Johnson

‘True transformation happens when people take the lead in their health, shaping a system that not only enables and supports them, but thrives because of their contributions,’ says ASPIRE Chair, Associate Professor JR Baker. ‘It’s awesome to see place-based, people-led healthcare taking shape with the launch of the Northern Sydney Wellbeing Collaborative! Social prescribing is a key piece in ensuring healthcare meets people where they are, leveraging local strengths to improve wellbeing.’ Over 170 innovators from local community, government, business, philanthropy, and university sectors met together for the launch of the Northern Sydney Wellbeing Collaborative, on Tuesday 25 Feb. A/Professor JR Baker presented at the launch on ‘Social Prescribing as the Key Pillar in Redesigning Primary Care’. ‘I appreciated the opportunity to be part of the conversation alongside Kevin Barrow, Fay Jackson BCVA, Dip.Ed, EBE, GAICD, Nick Goodwin, Anne-Marie Elias, Luigi Fontana, MD, PhD, FRACP, and Karyn Walsh, all bringing important perspectives on building a more connected and responsive system,’ he said. Northern Sydney Wellbeing Collaborative Forum SNHN (Sydney North Health Network) #PlaceBasedCare #CommunityDrivenHealth #SocialPrescribing #PersonCentredCare #FutureOfHealthcare

At the Australian Social Prescribing Institute of Research and Education (ASPIRE), we champion the integration of social determinants of health (SDOH) into every level of health systems, including medical training. By doing so, we can better equip future doctors to recognise the power of social prescribing—connecting patients with community-based resources to address their broader health needs. A recent study in BMC Medical Education highlighted how immersive experiences in underserved neighbourhoods can profoundly shape first-year medical students’ perspectives on SDOH. Students involved in the programme reported: - Greater awareness of local resources and community services - Enhanced confidence in guiding patients towards those resources - Reduced stigma around underserved communities and social barriers By prioritising SDOH early in medical education, we can foster a new generation of doctors ready to integrate social prescribing approaches into their everyday practice, ultimately improving patient outcomes and community wellbeing. Read the full study below. What are your thoughts on incorporating social prescribing into medical training from day one? #SDOH #SocialPrescribing #MedicalEducation #socialhealth #medicaltraining University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine

Is connecting generationally important to you? A/Professor Baker was pleased join the discussion panel on Bridging Generations at the Australian Institute for Intergeneration Practice (AIIP) Conference last Saturday. Connecting generations (intergenerational practice) reflects the core values of social prescribing which is about creating meaningful connections to reduce social isolation and promoting wellbeing through community-based activities. The lifeblood of the community is the fact it is intergenerational.  Programs based on social prescribing value people of all ages, respect their ability to contribute to the community, and create opportunities for people to connect and contribute. Social prescribing seeks to strengthen social cohesion and inclusivity, so people can build reciprocal relationships, and all age groups can share their knowledge and skills with each other. Australian Institute for Intergenerational Practice (AIIP) 4th Annual Conference, Connecting Generations for Life. Panel: Bridging Generations: Harnessing Intergenerational Practice to Tackle Social Challenges Torrens University Sydney campus at Surry Hills NSW

Does it matter that Greater Sydney has lost 120 bowling clubs over the past 40 years, or that Gosford Community Bowling Club is now fighting for its future? A/Prof. JR Baker thinks it does. Speaking at the State Parliamentary Hearing on Loneliness, he highlighted the club as an example of a ‘third place - one of those essential spaces between home and work where community happens. ‘A community isn’t just about living alongside others; it’s about creating with them,’ he said. A/Prof. Baker, Chair of ASPIRE, believes that in a consumer-driven society, we are losing the expectation that people can contribute. ‘In many ways, the opposite of loneliness is having purpose and being valued—and these are inherently tied to contribution.’ ASPIRE, Australia’s peak body for Social Prescribing, advocates for better health and wellbeing through non-medical, community-based activities, groups, and services that meet people’s practical, social, and emotional needs. Read the article on page 3 of Coast Community News at the link below. Dr J.R. Baker Bowls Australia #SocialPrescribing #MentalHealth #Connection #Community #Wellbeing #Health

ASPIRE is partnering with Queensland Alliance for Mental Health, Outdoors Queensland and Primary & Community Care Services Ltd & (PCCS) to launch a new social prescribing initiative to improve wellbeing. Definitely a space to watch!

🌿 Green Social Prescribing: A Win for Health and the Economy 🌿 A UK government and Wildlife Trusts report has reaffirmed the benefits of green social prescribing in tackling and preventing mental ill health. 🌱 Over two years, this £5.77m initiative supported 8,000+ people, prioritising economically under-served and ethnic minority communities. The outcomes speak volumes: ✅ Significant reductions in anxiety and depression ✅ Improved happiness and life satisfaction “There were big reductions in anxiety and depression symptoms, and significant improvements across wellbeing measures, with big increases in happiness and life satisfaction, alongside an increase in people’s feeling that life is worthwhile". The economic case is very compelling: for every £1 invested, £2.42 in value was generated. This success has led to HM Treasury committing an additional £2.3m to extend the program until March 2025. It’s an important reminder that nature-based interventions can deliver measurable health benefits while creating economic value 🌍 💬 How can we continue to integrate green spaces into health systems globally? What are your thoughts? #SocialPrescribing #GreenPrescribing #HealthInnovation #NatureForWellbeing Eric Brymer Thomas Astell-Burt Xiaoqi Feng Robyn Molsher

The National Museum of Singapore is breaking new ground with Reunion—a first-of-its-kind dedicated space for seniors, including those living with dementia or mild cognitive impairment. Through this innovative program, seniors are experiencing real benefits: improved moods, greater social engagement, and even better mobility. Participants have also shown meaningful cognitive and emotional improvements, such as increased memory recall and connection with others. This trial is a shining example of social prescribing in action, demonstrating how arts and culture can go beyond creativity to positively impact health and wellbeing. 👏 A well-deserved recognition to the National Museum of Singapore (in partnership with the Lien Foundation and RSP Architects Sdn Bhd) for reimagining what wellness support looks like and creating stronger social connections for Singapore's aging population. Let’s celebrate the power of cultural spaces to improve wellbeing, connect, and inspire. #SocialPrescribing #ArtsForWellbeing #SeniorHealth #InnovationInCare Genevieve Dingle Michelle Bissett

🎨 Art Meets Health: Social Prescribing in Action 🏥 For over a decade, Palais des Beaux-Arts de Lille-Arts has been harnessing the therapeutic power of art, starting with initiatives for autistic children and now expanding to broader groups. In September 2023, the museum formalised its groundbreaking 'museum prescription' program in partnership with CHU de Lille. Together, they’re offering 140 art therapy sessions over the next year, bringing culture and healthcare together to improve wellbeing. This innovative approach highlights how social prescribing can deliver effective, enjoyable, and low-cost non-clinical treatments, proving that wellbeing can come from the brushstrokes of a painting as much as from medicine. 🌟 💬 What role do you think art and culture should play in healthcare? #SocialPrescribing #ArtsInHealth #CultureForWellbeing

🌟 New Research Spotlight: Social Connections and Dementia Risk 🌟 A recent study in The Journals of Gerontology shows how our social environment and lifestyle choices can influence the risk of dementia as we age. The findings? A stronger social network and healthier habits like staying active and enjoying life in moderation can help reduce dementia risk—even for those facing challenges in their social environment. This research highlights the power of staying connected and making healthy choices in protecting brain health. 💡 It’s a reminder that small, meaningful changes in how we live and connect with others can make a big difference. 💬 What steps are you taking to nurture your social connections and wellbeing? #mentalhealth #socialhealth #dementia Shu Chen Shanquan Chen Katja Hanewald Yafei (Hanson) Si Hazel Bateman Bingqin Li Xiaolin Xu Chenkai Wu UNSW Business School UNSW Medicine & Health