Collaboration in Action: Social Prescribing Advocates Come Together
Curiosity filled the air, mingling with the inviting aromas of roast beef and clam chowder soup during a crisp evening at Bowen Park Complex Clubhouse in Nanaimo, BC. In a vibrant display of community spirit, the Nanaimo Family Life Association, a non-profit organization that receives funding from United Way BC, collaborated with physicians from the Nanaimo Division of Family Practice, to replicate a social prescribing initiative known as Kitchen Socials.
The program invites older adults to come together to cook a meal, fostering connection and camaraderie over shared dishes. After dinner, physicians across Nanaimo had the opportunity to ask questions about integrating the social prescribing referral process with patients into practice, along with community-led voices sharing stories about older adults who have profoundly benefited from social prescribing initiatives.
What is Social Prescribing?
Social prescribing is a means for healthcare providers and other trusted individuals in health and community settings to connect participants to a range of non-clinical services in the community to improve their health and well-being.
Rather than simply treating symptoms of illness, social prescribing can help to address underlying causes of health and well-being issues. Social prescribing is a holistic, person-centered, community-based strategy aimed at addressing the social determinants of health.
The Role of a Community Connector – Meet Amber Knapman
Funded by the Government of British Columbia’s Ministry of Health and supported by United Way BC, the position of a Community Connector plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between healthcare and community resources, ensuring that older adults have access to the support they need.
Amber works closely with isolated and marginalized seniors, connecting them to community services and helping to navigate the health care system. Her role shifts depending on the participant and support can look like many things, such as finding community programming, addressing precarious housing situations, food security, accessing counselling, and city services.
One key aspect Amber values about her role is the ability to witness firsthand the profound resiliency in older adults as they tread carefully into novel situations, such as attending their first Kitchen Social or TAPS (Therapeutic Activation Programs for Seniors) session with apprehension not knowing what they’ll find on the other side of the experience.
“I’ve observed the joy, lightness, and hope emanating from seniors following their participation in a social prescribing activity. After being isolated for so long, these moments signify a newfound opportunity for older adults to build meaningful connections within the community.” – Amber Knapman, Community Connector
United Way BC’s Role in Catalyzing Change Through Social Prescribing
United Way BC is dedicated to transforming the Healthy Aging service delivery model by actively expanding the Community Connector role. This initiative is part of a strategic, phased approach aimed at increasing the number of Community Connectors across British Columbia. Each Community Connector is employed by a non-profit organization that provides seniors-based programming in their community.
United Way BC’s goal is to have at least one Community Connector in each of BC’s 89 local health areas by 2026. This growth strategy not only enhances the support network for older adults but also strengthens community ties, fostering an environment where social prescribing can thrive.
“Collaboration is the heart of this program. It’s important for communities to collaborate not just within senior-serving agencies but also with other bodies including food hubs, intergenerational programming, transportation services, healthcare providers, physicians, and health authorities.” – Indira Riadi, Regional Community Developer, United Way BC (Fraser Health Region)
Social Prescribing Can Change Lives – Stories of Impact
After initially feeling apprehensive about attending her first Kitchen Social, a program participant immediately remarked after the activity, “I haven’t talked this much in over two years! I haven’t felt this hopeful and optimistic in a very long time.” This powerful statement underscores the impact of social interaction. For many older adults, feelings of isolation can weigh heavily, often exacerbated by life changes such as retirement, loss of loved ones, or mobility challenges.
Countless senior experiences echo the same positive benefits. As older adults continue to engage in social prescribing activities, the ripple effect of their connections can be felt throughout the community. Friendships blossom, support networks strengthen, and a renewed sense of purpose emerges. Social prescribing is more than just a healthcare initiative; it is a stark reminder of the profound impact community and connection can have on lives.