Welcome to our nine-part series on Social Prescribing in general practice, provided by the Lurnea Community Hub as part of its pilot Social Prescribing Program.
While the pilot is limited to practices in Liverpool, this series has been designed to provide useful information and practical insights for all practices.
Each edition provides a concise, practice-focused snapshot of how social prescribing can support GPs, particularly when patients present with social, emotional or practical needs which drive repeat consultations.
Across the series, we will cover:
- what social prescribing is
- why it matters in general practice
- what referral options exist
- models which work in practice
- evidence on loneliness, wellbeing, and GP demand
- practical implementation insights
This series draws on systematic reviews, national modelling and WHO guidance to provide an accessible summary for busy clinicians.
Growing momentum in general practice
RACGP Social Prescribing Specific Interests Group has grown significantly over the past two years from 400 to 800 GPs nationally.
They are widespread and vary in interest areas within social prescribing, with some being strong advocates for Parkrun, others for pickleball, some for nature-based social prescribing and a few leading the way creating their own local community health expos, gardening groups, swim clubs or shared medical appointment-modelled yarn-ups in central Australia with our First Nations people.
The passion and movement for social prescribing is strong and much needed for our current syndemic of chronic diseases, mental illness and societal problems, as well as the epidemic of social isolation and loneliness.
If you practise in the Liverpool LGA, you’ll also see opportunities to express your interest in shaping local approaches.
This article appeared in Practice Pulse on Wednesday, 5 August 2026. If you are a GP, practice nurse or practice manager in South Western Sydney and do not get the weekly Practice Pulse email, speak to your Practice Support Officer.