Social Prescribing in the Australian Context: A National Feasibility Study

This report presents the findings of a national feasibility study exploring whether and how social prescribing could be implemented within the Australian health and community care system. Social prescribing refers to the process of connecting individuals to non-clinical community supports and activities (e.g., community groups, peer supports, local programs) to address social, emotional and well-being needs alongside traditional healthcare.

Evidence suggests that social prescribing can improve individual well-being, reduce loneliness and social isolation, boost community participation, and generate broader health system benefits by alleviating pressure on primary care services. Small-scale and local social prescribing initiatives have been trialled in Australia, often run by general practices or community organisations, but systematic national implementation does not yet exist. 

The report outlines design principles for social prescribing (e.g., person-centred, culturally safe, inclusive) and operational components (such as screening, workforce capacity and community resources). Overall, the report concludes that social prescribing is a viable and potentially valuable addition to Australian primary healthcare, especially for improving holistic wellbeing, but scaled implementation will require coordinated national efforts and infrastructure support.