Members of Canowindra Creative Centre, CWA, NSW Health and Canowindra Connections.
Canowindra Connections Centre and Western NSW Primary Health Network are working together on a social prescribing program called ‘Staying Well Connected’, tackling social isolation for older people in our community.
Did you know health issues from social isolation have a mortality rate similar to high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and obesity. Those who are lonely and socially isolated are more likely to develop poorer mental health such as depression, anxiety impacting on the use of health services.
Social prescribing is a non-medical referral option that connects people to community activities to improve health and wellbeing.
Members of Canowindra Creative Centre, CWA, NSW Health and Connections met up to learn how to use an online directory called ‘Live Up’ and how we can support the Canowindra community in getting better connected to social activities in town. The program is aimed at over 65’s or over 55’s for First Nations, however social prescribing is relevant across life stages with the increasing social media presence attempting to replace human interaction.
If you would like more information on the Staying Well Connected program or how to use the Live Up Directory, contact Jacquie at Connections Centre. i