In January 2024, the Health and Wellbeing Community Referral Social Prescribing Service saw 196 individuals actively engaged, with 70 new referrals.  During this time, the Social Prescribing Link Workers held a full day of reflective practice and peer support sessions to discuss ways to enhance the service and address common challenges for the year ahead. Feedback from the team highlighted the value of such sessions in navigating the demanding nature of their work. This collaborative approach reignited their dedication and promoted a positive, proactive outlook on service development.

 

Additionally, some of our Social Prescribing Link Workers are researching Social Prescribing Evaluation Tools in partnership with HSE and Trinity College. The team is also contributing to the Echo Learning Hub, an online platform by HSE, which explores themes relevant to the Social Prescribing Service in Ireland. These engagements play a vital role in shaping service delivery and identifying challenges.

 

Furthermore, the Health and Wellbeing Community Referral Social Prescribing Service collaborated with Cork and Kerry County Councils to secure funding from Creative Ireland. This collaboration aims to fund creative projects to enhance social prescribing service users' health and wellbeing. Co Cork libraries will roll out several creative projects in March and April 2024, while an evaluation report on the Kerry Arts Collaboration will soon be available online.