14/10/2025
With my other hat on today — as Community Services Lecturer at South Regional TAFE - we had a fantastic class discussion about Social Prescribing, with inspiring guest speakers sharing how this approach is reshaping the way we think about health and well-being across Australia.
Social prescribing is gaining attention as an innovative way for GP's and health professionals to support patients beyond traditional medical care - by connecting them with community-based supports such as art or exercise groups, volunteering, gardening, or social clubs.
While this model is well-established in the UK, Ireland, and internationally, it’s still relatively new for GP's in Australia. In these countries, specially trained "Link Workers" act as the bridge between the GP and the community - helping individuals find local activities and supports that match their interests, goals, and needs.
As I listened today, I couldn’t help but notice how familiar this concept feels within social work spaces. For decades, Case Workers have played a similar role - acting as the central point of connection, linking people with local services and options, and working holistically through a Bio-Psycho-Social model of care.
Our own Amaze - Pathways Through Parenting Program does this beautifully — helping families navigate community supports and strengthen well-being through connection, education, and practical guidance.
What stood out to me most was the growing recognition of social prescribing as a GP-led and directed approach, designed to benefit those whose physical or mental health conditions may be the starting point, but not the whole story.
It’s exciting to see these worlds - health and community - coming together, with holistic well-being at the heart of care. 💚
Carrina Hampton
