[News] ‘A prescription for fun’: How social prescribing is aiming to connect vulnerable Canadians to their communities

The one-year pilot project is testing an approach known as “social prescribing” to improve the well-being and quality of life for vulnerable children. Imported from Britain, the idea originally saw doctors writing prescriptions for community and wellness activities for patients, especially seniors, who were socially isolated.

In Canada, grassroots programs of this kind have expanded across the country for students, immigrants and low-income Canadians. The Fraser Health Authority in British Columbia has a team of “community connectors” who offer social prescribing to seniors. A similar program exists in Alberta.

Another new Ottawa pilot project will test how the approach can be used to build community for the clients of Housing First programs in the capital. Housing First provides apartments without conditions to people who are homeless, and then offers the supports they need to recover from addictions or mental illness.

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