Prescriptions for Connection-A Social Prescribing Approach to Healthy Ageing in Adelaide's North

This research project will implement a social prescribing program titled ‘Prescription for Connection,’ which will be co-designed with input from general practitioners (GPs), health professionals, and older adults. In the co-design phase, two workshops will be held to inform the development of processes and resources needed for successful implementation. · Workshop 1: approximately n = 15 primary care and social care professionals, including general practitioners, practice nurses, practice managers, general practice facilitators, and local council representatives involved in existing social programs. · Workshop 2: approximately n = 15 older people, aged 60+ years and residing in the participating council areas of Port Adelaide Enfield, Town of Walkerville, and Prospect. Workshops will be audio-recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed to identify core components of the program. The outcome will be a co-designed model for Prescriptions for Connection, which will then be refined by the project team for feasibility prior to implementation and evaluation. Community Connector Volunteers: The program will pilot a volunteer-led model for social prescribing, coordinated by Port Adelaide Enfield council. Council staff will recruit Community Connector volunteers and train them on the social prescribing purpose, model, processes, goal setting, peer support, and mental first aid. This training will occur prior to recruitment of older adult participants, to ensure that volunteers are equipped to safely and confidently navigate challenging interactions. A directory of local social activities and services will be developed to help Community Connectors guide older people to appropriate community supports. Community Connectors will also be provided with a workbook and resources developed by council staff to guide their social interactions with older people throughout the program. Weekly learning circles, facilitated by council staff, will provide ongoing development opportunities and peer support for volunteers throughout the program. General Practices Up to six general practices will participate by identifying and referring older adults experiencing social isolation and loneliness. Researchers will provide education sessions to practice staff outlining the program’s objectives, how to identify eligible patients, and referral procedures and methods for receiving feedback on patient outcomes. Each practice will receive a booklet summarising this key information and the referral form will be embedded in practice software. Program Delivery Older adults referred to the program and consenting to partake in the research project will be connected with volunteer Community Connectors in their Local Councils. The Community Connectors will facilitate a personalised process involving up to six meetings scheduled according to the participant’s availability and preference, e.g., at council offices and/or public locations such as libraries and cafés. These meetings will aim to build rapport and assess each participant’s interests and needs, enabling individualised goalsetting and informed linkages with community groups and activities to support their social integration. Activities may include gentle group exercise sessions like Tai Chi and yoga, hobby-based classes (e.g., craft groups), or other locally available social opportunities. As the intervention is tailored, the frequency and type of social engagement will vary based on individual preferences and needs. On completion of the social prescribing program, the Community Connectors will provide a brief summary about types of services provided to the older person to social prescribing council staff, which will then be sent to the referring general practice.