Social Prescribing 

The Social Prescribing Service is part of a new suite of programmes being offered under the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme in Limerick City.

The aim of the service is to connect people with sources of support within local communities with the purpose of improving health and wellbeing. The service aims to address the wider determinants of health by providing supported access to community and voluntary organisations offering a wide range of supports. This  may include education and employment supports, cooking, gardening, physical activities, and other social and recreational activities. Social Prescribing is a non clinical service and participation is voluntary.

Anyone living in the Limerick City area can be referred to the Social Prescribing Service if it represents the most appropriate tool for addressing their needs. Social Prescribing can be particularly beneficial for people :

• With long term conditions
• With symptoms of depression or anxiety
• Who are frequent attenders to GP
• Individuals with poor social supports
• Individuals who experience psychological difficulties
• Individuals who are disadvantaged, isolated and vulnerable
• Those who are unemployed /low incomes
• Recently bereaved
• Who are members of Ethnic Minorities

Social Prescribing is not suitable for:

1. People who are unwilling or unable to give consent
2. People who are currently in crisis

Inclusion Criteria

1. Living in the Limerick City Area
2. Be over 18 years of age
3. Have the capacity to be able to leave their home to engage in community supports

What are the benefits to individuals/patients/clients accessing the service?

One of the main advantages of Social Prescribing can be the opportunities for patients/clients with long term conditions to access non-clinical supports and activities. This access to additional supports within the Community and Voluntary Sector can lead individuals to experience positive outcomes associated with their health and wellbeing, such as reduced isolation and increased independence.                                                          

For further information, contact:

Michelle Hannan Social Prescribing Link Worker on  0876924042/ 061419388