Older people in Mid and East Antrim benefiting from community prescriptions beyond the GP surgery

(L-R) Sarah McLaughlin, Executive Director for Health, and Catriona Delargy, IMPACTAgewell Team Leader, Agewell Partnership

For many older people across Ballymena, Larne and Carrickfergus, support for better health and wellbeing is increasingly being found not just in a doctor’s surgery, but through local community groups, advice services and social activities designed to reduce isolation and improve quality of life.

That approach was placed firmly in the spotlight this month when the Agewell Partnership’s IMPACTAgewell Team travelled to Dundalk to showcase their work at the All-Ireland Social Prescribing Conference, joining organisations from across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to share innovative approaches to community health and wellbeing.

The conference, held on 11 June, brought together practitioners and organisations involved in social prescribing — an approach that helps people access community-based support and activities alongside traditional healthcare services.

Connecting older people with support in their communities

Social prescribing focuses on helping people improve their wellbeing by connecting them with local services, social opportunities and practical support that can address issues such as loneliness, inactivity, isolation and reduced confidence.

Rather than relying solely on medical interventions, individuals can be linked to community groups, exercise opportunities, social clubs, advice services and other local resources that support healthier and more connected lives.

Across Mid and East Antrim, this work is delivered through the IMPACTAgewell programme, an innovative model of care operating in Ballymena, Larne and Carrickfergus.

The programme works closely with GP partners, community pharmacies, the local health trust and voluntary organisations to provide joined-up support for older people across the borough.

Partnerships at the heart of the model

During the conference presentation, the IMPACTAgewell Team highlighted how strong partnerships underpin their work and help deliver tailored support to those who need it most.

Among the organisations involved are local Good Morning services, Mid and East Antrim Community Advice Services and a wide network of social activity clubs operating across the area.

These partnerships enable older people to access personalised social prescriptions that respond to their individual circumstances and needs, helping them stay active, informed and engaged within their communities.

Speaking at the conference, Catriona Delargy from IMPACTAgewell explained how these community connections can make a significant difference for older people who may be vulnerable, isolated or struggling to remain socially connected.

By linking individuals with local activities, support services and social opportunities, the programme helps participants build new relationships, gain practical assistance and develop greater confidence in their daily lives.

Benefits extending beyond healthcare

The conference heard how social prescribing can deliver a range of positive outcomes that extend well beyond traditional healthcare settings.

Participants involved in social prescribing programmes have reported:

• Increased physical activity and improved physical wellbeing

• Reduced loneliness and enhanced emotional health

• Greater confidence and independence

• Improved access to information, advice and local support services

• Stronger connections with their communities and social networks

The IMPACTAgewell Team demonstrated how these benefits contribute to a stronger sense of belonging and improved quality of life for older residents throughout Mid and East Antrim.

Sharing learning across the island of Ireland

The All-Ireland Social Prescribing Conference also provided an opportunity for organisations from both jurisdictions to exchange ideas and learn from one another’s experiences.

For the IMPACTAgewell Team, the event offered a platform to showcase how community-based partnerships are helping older people remain healthier, more connected and better supported in their own local areas.

Their contribution reinforced the growing recognition of social prescribing as an increasingly important part of preventative healthcare and community wellbeing services across the island.

As demand grows for innovative ways to support ageing populations, programmes such as IMPACTAgewell are demonstrating how local partnerships and community connections can play a vital role in helping older people live healthier, more independent and more fulfilling lives.