Social Prescribing
Social Prescribing recognises that health is influenced by more than medical care alone. Factors such as loneliness, isolation, stress, and lack of social connection can have a significant impact on wellbeing. Through one-to-one support, Social Prescribing helps people explore practical, community-based ways to feel better, build confidence and reconnect with others.
Limerick City Partnership delivers a Social Prescribing Service, funded through the HSE’s Sláintecare Healthy Communities initiative. The service, launched in 2022, supports adults to improve their health and wellbeing by helping them connect with supports, activities and services available in their local community.
What is Social Prescribing?
Social Prescribing is a person-centred, one-to-one service delivered by a Social Prescribing Link Worker. The Link Worker takes time to listen, understand what matters to the individual, and support them to identify positive steps that suit their interests, needs and goals.
Supports may include connecting people with:
- Local community and voluntary groups
- Social, creative or recreational activities
- Health and wellbeing programmes
- Learning, volunteering or confidence-building opportunities
- Relevant HSE supports and programmes, where appropriate
The focus is on choice, empowerment and supporting people to move at their own pace.
- Individuals can be referred by a GP, primary care team, community worker or other support service, or can self-refer
- The Social Prescribing Link Worker meets with the individual for up to eight one-to-one sessions
- Together, they explore interests, challenges and goals
- Support is provided to access suitable local services and activities, through discussion and shared decision-making
Please note: Social Prescribing is not a crisis service, but offers supportive, preventative and early-intervention supports.
Social Prescribing is for adults over 18 years of age living in Limerick City who may benefit from additional health and wellbeing support. It may be particularly helpful for people who:
- Feel lonely or socially isolated
- Are experiencing anxiety, low mood or stress
- Are living with one or more long-term health conditions
- Would like to build confidence or reconnect with their community
- Have social needs that are impacting their health and wellbeing
If you would like to learn more about Social Prescribing or make a referral, please contact Kayleigh or Sinead.
Kayleigh
Phone: 087 982 0352
Email: kmullane@limerickcitypartnership.ie
Sinead
Phone: 087 054 2102
Email: sinead.molloy@limerickcitypartnership.ie
