‘Prescriptions for Connection’- Launching April 2025

Social isolation and loneliness are significant contributors to poor health outcomes in older adults, including depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline. 20% of older adults seek help from GPs for their social needs, but our health system isn't equipped to fully address these challenges.

Introducing ‘Prescriptions for Connection’ – an innovative project born from collaboration between the Northern Adelaide councils of Port Adelaide Enfield, Prospect, and Walkerville, local GP practices, and the Healthy Ageing Care and Support Research Team from Flinders University and Adelaide PHN. Funded by The Hospital Research Foundation and Northern Community Health and Research Foundation.

Co-design: This project will implement a social prescribing model, enabling GPs to refer older adults to community-based social activities that promote connection and wellbeing. During the co-design phase, workshops with GPs, health professionals, and older adults sparked valuable discussions and fresh ideas on how to make this model impactful. 

Implementation: We’re excited to announce that Prescriptions for Connection will soon be entering a 6-month trial implementation phase, commencing in April 2025. To meet the high demand and individual needs of older adults in the community, the Councils have onboarded forty trained volunteers, who will provide 1:1 support to those referred into the program.

Evaluation: An evaluation phase, led by the research team, will be informed by surveys, focus groups, and semi-structured interviews with general practices, older adults, and council staff involved in the program. We want to know what worked, what didn’t, and how the program can be improved to optimise experiences and outcomes. 

Our Collective Goal: Together, we can help older adults feel more connected and supported in our communities. 

Stay tuned for more updates!