Social Prescribing Day - Increased wellbeing and quality of life for Waterford Social Prescribing service users
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From: Department of Health
- Published on: 10 March 2022
- Last updated on: 14 March 2022
The Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly, and the Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Well Being and National Drugs Strategy, Frank Feighan, have welcomed the extension of funding for the Sláintecare Integration Fund project – Expansion of Waterford Social Prescribing Service in Waterford into 2022.
Waterford Social Prescribing Service works with adults who may be experiencing mental health difficulties, long term health conditions, social Issues, loneliness and/or social isolation.
It provides health service providers and community workers with an opportunity to link people with non-medical sources of support within the community to improve physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.
The service users are referred by GPs, Primary Care Teams, Medical and Social care professionals and through self-referrals. The service is run by the Sacred Heart Family Resource Centre.
Heather Kiely, Project Manager with Scared Heart Family Resource Centre says:
"One full time Social Prescriber worked with the service in Waterford City, and as part of the expansion of the service to the county another was funded by the Sláintecare Integration Fund. Funding for the continuation of the project in 2022 is being provided under the new Healthy Communities Framework and also direct funding from the HSE."
During the time the project received Sláintecare funding, the following results were achieved:
- 501 clients referred
- 6,033 contact sessions with the Coordinators exceeding the target of 1,000
- 115 community services accessed by clients exceeding the target of 40
- 57% (6.6) increase in community involvement exceeding the target of 35% (5.67), baseline was 4.2. This was measured using 'Pillar of Positive Health' Social and Societal Participation scores, recorded at point of referral and again at end of intervention
- 48% increase in improved quality of life and ability to self-manage exceeding the target of 33%
Minister Donnelly said:
"The results achieved by this project show the importance of linking people with non-medical supports within their community. GPs, Primary Care Teams and Health and Social Care professionals referring people to community services clearly provides support to people to manage their condition and stay well in their community. This person-centred approach really embodies Sláintecare’s principles."
Minister Feighan said:
"This is a fantastic service that signposts service users to community supports available in their area. Using a partnership approach, Waterford Social Prescribing is working with other HSE and voluntary organisations to promote health and wellbeing throughout Waterford."
Nicola Spendlove, Waterford City Social Prescribing Coordinator says:
"We have developed a wide range of linkages with appropriate services and supports and refer our service users to other community based supports such as ALONE, HSE Community Response Teams and the Living Well Programme."
Service user Leon speaks in the video about his journey with social prescribing, and how he was supported by the service to establish and run his own community chess group.
Fiona Laffan, Waterford County Social Prescribing Coordinator, worked with Service User Ursula to link her in with computer classes and social activities such as group walks and coffee mornings, increasing her self confidence.
Countless other individuals across the Waterford community have reaped the benefits of their involvements with Waterford Social Prescribing Service. The bespoke signposting and support that the coordinators provide have enabled users of the service to truly achieve their social potential, and unlock the many health benefits of feeling like a valued member of one’s community.
Local TD and Minister of State for Mental Health Mary Butler said:
"Social prescribing is an invaluable resource to individuals who may feel isolated and somewhat under the weather as an alternative to medication in certain cases, I really want to commend those who work in the organisation for the positive results they have achieved for service users."
Derval Howley Head of Health & Wellbeing South East Community Healthcare says:
"Waterford Social Prescribing as the first service for the South East has demonstrated the wellbeing outcomes that can be achieved when the community and health sectors work together. We are delighted to now have a Social Prescribing Service in the five counties in the South East."
Based on their experience to date and feedback from health professionals the project has proposed an expansion to the future development of the service to include children and young people.
Social Prescribing is relatively new to Ireland. It is based in the community and links people with chronic health conditions such as heart conditions, diabetes, COPD and mental health issues with sources of support in their community to improve their physical and emotional wellbeing. Social Prescribing can link patients in with community-based exercise groups, cooking classes, digital literacy, musical and creative activities, employment supports, and social outings among many others.
10 March is Social Prescribing Day. The Sláintecare Integration Fund supported seven Social Prescribing projects all over Ireland. Social Prescribing addresses many of the goals of Sláintecare. It creates opportunities for people to get involved in caring for their own health and wellbeing, it deepens links between community and medical care, and it reduces the need for people to seek medical appointments with either their GP or to attend hospital for care for their chronic conditions.