How it Works
A step-by-step journey to stronger, healthier communities
The Five Step Framework
1. Identify local needs and priorities
We begin by thoroughly understanding each community’s unique circumstances through comprehensive local data and direct community engagement. This involves listening to families, identifying challenges around isolation and loneliness, and uncovering opportunities that match the community’s specific context.
2. Highlight existing community strengths
Every community has valuable resources, skills, and services that can be harnessed for social prescribing. Our approach emphasises recognising these strengths first—whether that’s local groups, trusted organisations, or informal social networks—creating a foundation for successful, community-driven solutions.
3. Co-design tailored solutions
Together with community members, local partners, and experts, we co-create tailored social prescribing solutions that address the identified needs and aspirations of families. This ensures the strategies are not only effective but genuinely owned and valued by the community.
4. Empower Link Workers to connect people
Specially trained Link Workers based in Neighbourhood Centres facilitate meaningful connections between families and community resources. They provide personalised support, guiding families through barriers, building trust, and ensuring individuals can confidently participate in chosen activities, whether that’s joining a community garden, attending parenting groups, or engaging in local events.
5. Measure, learn and continuously refine
Throughout the trial, we actively monitor the outcomes for families, tracking changes in their wellbeing, social connectedness, and overall health. Using these insights, we continuously refine the model, enhancing its effectiveness and scalability so it can benefit even more Queenslanders in the future.
The Link Worker FUnction
Your friendly guide to community wellbeing
At the heart of the Social Prescribing Trial are our dedicated Link Workers, community connectors trained to help families overcome loneliness and isolation. Link Workers partner with families to understand their unique strengths, aspirations, and challenges, working collaboratively to identify meaningful local groups and activities. They build trusting relationships, provide practical support, and facilitate personal introductions to community services, ensuring every family feels confident and supported in their journey towards greater social connection.
Brokerage: Breaking Down Barriers
Removing obstacles so everyone can thrive
Financial barriers shouldn’t prevent meaningful community participation. Through targeted brokerage funds, Link Workers assist families with one-off costs such as transport, equipment, or activity fees, enabling initial community engagement. This support is carefully managed to empower long-term self-sufficiency, ensuring families can sustain their involvement independently.
Community Development: Strengthening Local Networks
Mapping strengths, building partnerships, and creating opportunities
Each participating Neighbourhood Centre actively maps local resources, identifying existing groups, community activities, and essential services. Link Workers build partnerships with local schools, health providers, and community groups to ensure strong referral pathways. When gaps are identified, Link Workers support the creation of new community activities, enhancing overall community resilience and capacity.
Evaluation & Continuous Learning
Adapting, improving, and growing together
Evaluation is central to our approach. Working alongside an independent evaluation partner, we continually monitor outcomes, capturing the stories and experiences of families involved. Regular feedback, data collection, and case studies help us refine the social prescribing model, making it more effective and relevant. Our commitment to learning ensures that the trial doesn’t just meet its goals, it continually improves, evolves, and delivers lasting positive impact for communities across Queensland.