On Tuesday, December 3rd, the Social Prescribing Health & Wellbeing Community Referral Project Cork & Kerry team came together for a day of reflective practice and peer support in Killarney. The team, led by Rita Bevan, Cork & Kerry Region Coordinator for the Project, gathered to share insights, reflect on their progress, and collaborate on future goals.
The day provided an opportunity for team members to pause and assess the impact of their work, discuss challenges, and celebrate successes. Through collaborative discussions, they identified key areas of growth and development within the project, ensuring the continued sustainability and success of the Social Prescribing initiative across the region.
The reflective practice sessions allowed for valuable peer support, with team members drawing on each other’s experiences and expertise to strengthen their skills and knowledge in social prescribing. By fostering a supportive and open environment, the team was able to explore new ideas, share best practices, and address any emerging issues in the field.
As the day drew to a close, the team left Killarney feeling refreshed, re-energized, and motivated to continue making a difference in the lives of individuals in Cork and Kerry. The commitment to improving health and wellbeing through social prescribing remains stronger than ever, and the team is excited to build on the momentum gained from this productive day. One member reported – that “the day was just what I needed right now, without knowing it was what I needed”.
Rita Bevan, who oversees the development and sustainability of the Social Prescribing Health & Wellbeing Community Referral Project across ten sites, expressed her admiration and pride in the team's dedication to social prescribing and their ongoing efforts to connect individuals with the support and resources they need for a healthier, more fulfilling life. The team coming together as a collective to work towards the positive growth in the quality and reach of the programme is highly commendable. Rita thanked all members for their heartfelt commitment to their work and all potential service users during the year.
The reflective practice day was an essential part of the ongoing professional development and support for the team, reinforcing the values of collaboration, empathy, and community-focused care that lie at the heart of social prescribing across Cork and Kerry.
