Social Prescribing

What is Social Prescribing?

“Social Prescribing is a holistic approach to healthcare that brings together the social and medical models of health and wellness. It provides a formal pathway for health providers to address the diverse determinants of health, using the familiar and trusted process of writing a prescription.

Social Prescribing bridges the gap between clinical and social care by referring patients to local, non-clinical services that are chosen according to the client’s interests, goals, and gifts.”

-Alliance for Healthier Communities

Grand River Community Health Centre offers Social Prescribing where clients are referred and connected to a range of local non-clinical community services and activities such as volunteering, skill building, social groups, and exercise opportunities. Our Community Navigator can help you find activities based on your interests and supports you through the process. Many clients have expressed that the Social Prescribing program has reduced their feelings of isolation, improved their mental health and provided connection to their community.

Our Social Prescribing program was recently reviewed by an external consultant organization called Openly. Openly engages with data to measure results for improving program impact and delivery.

To learn more about the findings read the evaluation report.

How does Social Prescribing Work?

For more information about Social Prescribing, visit Alliance for Healthier Communities

If you are interested in learning more about the Social Prescribing program or would like to be referred, please inquire with your primary care provider or health professional.

If you do not have a primary care provider at GRCHC and would like to learn more about Social Prescribing, please call (226) 388-4725 or complete the online form below.