“Working Together: Building Stronger Social Prescribing Networks”

Social Prescribing services in Cork and Kerry came together on 16th September to explore opportunities for partnership, connection, and better community outcomes. By highlighting events like this webinar, AISPN celebrates the work of Social Prescribing services and the positive difference they make in communities.

Social Prescribing in HSE South

On 16th September, a networking webinar was held to strengthen collaboration between Social Prescribing Services delivered through the National Forum of Family Resource Centres (NFFRC), local Family Resource Centres (FRCs), Community Development Projects (CDPs), and relevant HSE and community services in Cork and Kerry.

Originally planned as an in-person event, travel and budget restrictions meant the meeting was moved online. The central theme was “Social Prescribing in the South West: Opportunities to Increase Collaboration.”

This event was organised by the established partnership between the NFFRC and HSE South West – Health Improvement & Wellbeing. Its aim was to foster stronger connections, improve collaboration, and enhance access between Social Prescribing and HSE services.

Purpose of the Event

The webinar set out to:

• Provide an overview of Social Prescribing Services in HSE South and highlight their value.

• Provide an opportunity to increase understanding and clarity of local HSE services, what is delivered, where and how to access same.

• Explore opportunities for future collaboration to enhance awareness of available services and improve access for potential service users.

  
  

Presentations

The session featured contributions from Social Prescribing Officers alongside short presentations from other HSE and community services, including:

• HSE Health Promotion & Improvement

• The National Forum of FRC – overview of the work and values of community-based organisations

• HSE Community Work

• HSE Community Health Workers

• Mental Health Services – Suicide Resource Officer

• The Living Well Programme

• The Community Connector Programme

There was a brief Q and A session.  This was followed by an invitation to discuss next steps.

Discussion & Next Steps

Participants were invited to share their views on the future of collaboration and to identify practical steps to move forward. Key questions posed included:

• What opportunities and benefits do you see in increased collaboration?

• What should the next steps be?

• How can you and your service contribute to enabling greater collaboration?

• How can the NFFRC and HSE Health & Wellbeing support this aim?

  
  

Outcomes

The feedback gathered during the webinar will inform future planning, with the shared goal of strengthening collaboration, improving clarity, and ultimately ensuring better access to services for potential service users.

This event summary was written by Rita Bevan

FRCNF Social Prescribing Coordinator, Cork & Kerry Region

Email: ritabevan@familyresource.ie

Download the report below

SP South Webinar Report RB.pdf

Download PDF • 263KB