Social Prescribing Helps GPs Support Patients Beyond Medical Care
04 Aug 2026
A new nine-part education series aims to give clinicians practical guidance on using social prescribing in everyday practice.
Developed by the Lurnea Community Hub as part of its pilot Social Prescribing Program, the series is currently linked to practices in the Liverpool area. However, the information and practical advice are designed to benefit general practices across Australia.
Each edition provides a practical overview of how social prescribing can help when patients have social, emotional or practical challenges that contribute to ongoing health concerns and repeat GP visits.
The series will explore what social prescribing is, why it matters in general practice, available referral pathways, successful models of care, research on loneliness, wellbeing and GP demand, and practical tips for implementation.
Interest in social prescribing continues to grow, with the RACGP Social Prescribing Specific Interests Group expanding from 400 to 800 GPs over the past two years.
GPs involved in the group support a wide range of community-based activities, including Parkrun, pickleball, nature-based programs, community health expos, gardening groups, swim clubs and shared medical appointment-style programs with First Nations communities in Central Australia.
Supporters of social prescribing believe it can help address chronic disease, mental illness, social isolation and loneliness by connecting patients with appropriate community resources alongside their medical care.
GPs practising in the Liverpool Local Government Area can also register their interest in helping shape local social prescribing initiatives.
Social Prescribing Helps GPs Support Patients Beyond Medical Care
Source: South Western Sydney Primary Health Network (SWSPHN) / Practice Pulse