The City of Kitchener is excited to participate in the Links2Wellbeing Social Prescribing project. Recognizing that isolation and loneliness significantly impact the health and well-being of older adults, Links2Wellbeing seeks to create a referral mechanism for healthcare providers to connect older adults to a range of social and recreational community programs through the process of social prescribing. As a Links2Wellbeing project participant, the City of Kitchener will receive referrals from health service providers for patients who could benefit from participation in community-based social and recreational programs. The city staff will contact the referred individual to understand their goals, interests, abilities, and barriers to participation. Based on information gathered, staff will recommend activities to the older adult, assist them with registration and seek ways to mitigate any barriers to participation they might experience. Additionally, staff will conduct structured follow up with the Links2Wellbeing participants at both the 6-and 12-month marks to gauge their level of participation and satisfaction with the programs provided, and to respond to additional needs/barriers.

For more information or to participate in the the Link2Wellbeing Program please feel free to contact Andrea Klein, Older Adult Services Coordinator, andrea.klein@kitchener.ca or 519-741-2200 x5082