Report | Victorian Social Prescribing Survey Report. Dec 2022-Feb 2023.
Published: 2023
Brief Summary:
ADMA (2023). Victorian Social Prescribing Survey Report. Dec 2022-Feb 2023.
∙To understand more about the social prescribing landscape in Victoria, a Victorian Social Prescribing Survey was developed and distributed to sectors active in social prescribing.
∙The survey sought to survey those involved in social prescribing (including but not limited to the Victorian Department of Health, Victorian Primary Health Networks, Local Government Areas (council services), Neighbourhood Houses, Community Health, Primary Care, relevant hospital outreach services, mental health and alcohol and other drug (AOD) services, social services, social supports, researchers, the Victorian members of the ADMA Social Prescribing Network)
∙They survey sought to gain a baseline understanding of current service models, staffing, funding, evaluation measures, target demographic, barriers, enablers, and more from
across Victoria.
Who is this for?
People and organizations interested in social prescribing.
What is the aim?
The survey and report aim to create a baseline understanding of social prescribing in Victoria as of 2022. This included an understanding of current service models, staffing, funding, evaluation measures, target demographic, barriers, enablers, and more.
Results/Outcomes:
24 per cent of respondents provide a social prescribing service with a funded position and/or volunteers. Other respondents report offering a related activity such as group walks, gardening, art, Mens Shed and more whilst other respondents report offering social prescribing as part of usual clinical practice.
Of those respondents who provide a service, the majority of Victorian social prescribing services operate out of a Neighbourhood House, community health service or council. The most common workforce position title (paid or volunteer) includes the word ‘community’, for example community connector, with commentary indicating that this terminology was more acceptable to consumers.
The most common model used social prescribing services is the community connector-based model in which a person/participant is referred to a community connector
who co-designs a plan with the participant based on individual preferences and needs. The community connector then assists the individual to connect to local activities.
The model also involves monitoring or follow up to ensure the person is meeting their goals.
Barriers and enablers are themed and described in the report.