Applying a social prescribing approach in a public health context

#About this webinar

The World Health Organization defines social prescribing as connecting people to a range of non-clinical services in the community to improve their health and well-being. It builds on the evidence that addressing social determinants of health, such as socioeconomic status, social inclusion, housing, and education, is key to improving health outcomes. But how can we use this healthcare approach in a public health setting?

Join this webinar to hear from experts in social prescribing and public health, who will discuss how social prescribing can be implemented within a public health context.

#Who should attend this webinar?

This webinar is intended for public health professionals and anyone wishing to explore social prescribing in a public health context.

#Learning objectives

In this webinar, you will explore:

  • the research on social prescribing
  • guidelines for using social prescribing
  • what social prescribing looks like “on the ground”
  • health equity considerations when implementing social prescribing

#The presenters

  • Kiffer G. Card (he/him) is an Assistant Professor with the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University and Scientific Director for the Canadian Alliance for Social Connection and Health. He received his training as a behavioural epidemiologist, social ecologist, and health services researcher. He leads research focused on multi-level, interdisciplinary public health responses to crises affecting mental health and wellness.
  • Natasha Beaudin is a Social Prescribing Lead for the Alliance for Healthier Communities. She has worked in the Community Health Centre sector for almost 20 years, most recently as a health promoter at Centretown Community Health Centre in Ottawa. She has worked in food security, smoking cessation, stress reduction, and physical activity, and she leads the social prescribing project for her centre. She chaired the Health Promotion Network of Eastern Ontario for the past few years.
  • Safiya Clarke-Mendes (she/her) is an Education and Learning Specialist at the Canadian Red Cross. Safiya is a passionate public health professional with expertise in design research methodologies. She has experience in health promotion and research across the public and private sectors in Canada and the Caribbean. Safiya has applied her skills to enable collaboration between diverse stakeholders to address various public health and systems issues, including sexual and reproductive health, chronic disease, and holistic health systems transformation. Taking an intersectional and anti-oppressive approach to research, Safiya works to break down complex health issues and their determinants into actionable insights that reflect community priorities and drive social innovation.

#About the organizers

This webinar is being presented by the Mental Health Promotion in Public Health Community of Practice, supported by the Evidence Exchange Network (EENet). The Community of Practice brings together public health practitioners from Ontario's 36 public health units working to promote mental health across the lifespan. Its purpose is to connect, share and explore evidence-informed practices and practice-informed evidence related to mental health promotion in public health.

EENet is part of the Knowledge Mobilization portfolio in the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s (CAMH) Provincial System Support Program (PSSP). EENet moves evidence to action to improve programming and inform policy change. Our team works closely with researchers, clinicians, policymakers, system planners, service providers, and people with lived experiences to mobilize knowledge and help people connect.

Details
Wednesday, December 6, 2023 - 12:00
12:00-1:30 pm
Cost: 
Free
Internal/External: 
Event Type: 
Location
Webinar

Reducing the Risk of Falls by Removing Environmental Hazards: An Evidence-based Approach

This webinar will focus on detecting, reducing, and removing fall risk hazards in the built environment. Evidence-based advocacy, educational, and behavioural approaches to reduce environmental hazards will be discussed. Find out more and register.

#Webinar Series

This webinar is presented by the Loop falls prevention community of practice. It is part 1/3 of Loop's 'Move, improve, remove' webinar series for Fall Prevention Month. 

  • Move your body: Exercise and Physical Activity to Reduce the Risk of Falls Dr. Tina Ziebart | Assistant Professor, Western University in the School of Physical Therapy Nov. 7, 2023 | 12-1pm ET
  • Improve your health: Medication Considerations for Fall Prevention and Fall-Related Injury Chris Fan-Lun | Pharmacy Clinical Coordinator, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Nov. 16, 2023 | 12-1pm ET
  • Remove hazards: Reducing the Risk of Falls by Removing Environmental Hazards: An Evidence-based Approach Nancy Edwards | Distinguished Professor and Professor Emerita, University of Ottawa Nov. 28, 2023 | 12-1pm ET
Details
Tuesday, November 28, 2023 - 12:00
12-1 pm
Cost: 
Free
Internal/External: 
Event Type: 
Location
Zoom Webinar

Medication Considerations for Fall Prevention and Fall-Related Injury

This webinar will explore the structured approach to medication review to improve identification of fall risk increasing drugs (FRIDs) and the role of deprescribing to reduce fall risk. Medication management considerations of fall-related injuries will be discussed in a case-based format. Find out more and register.

#Webinar Series

This webinar is presented by the Loop falls prevention community of practice. It is part 2/3 of Loop's 'Move, improve, remove' webinar series for Fall Prevention Month. 

  • Move your body: Exercise and Physical Activity to Reduce the Risk of Falls Dr. Tina Ziebart | Assistant Professor, Western University in the School of Physical Therapy Nov. 7, 2023 | 12-1pm ET
  • Improve your health: Medication Considerations for Fall Prevention and Fall-Related Injury Chris Fan-Lun | Pharmacy Clinical Coordinator, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Nov. 16, 2023 | 12-1pm ET
  • Remove hazards: Reducing the Risk of Falls by Removing Environmental Hazards: An Evidence-based Approach Nancy Edwards | Distinguished Professor and Professor Emerita, University of Ottawa Nov. 28, 2023 | 12-1pm ET
Details
Thursday, November 16, 2023 - 12:00
12-1pm
Internal/External: 
Event Type: 
Location
Zoom Webinar

Exercise and Physical Activity to Reduce the Risk of Falls

This webinar will review the current evidence and provide some clinical pearls of wisdom on how exercise can help to reduce the risk of falls. Dr. Ziebart specializes in working with people with osteoporosis, so specific guidelines will be shared on how exercise can help to reduce the risk of falls and fractures in the osteoporotic population. However, a broader perspective will also be discussed to make sure we reduce falls in all older adults. There will be time for questions so you can ask about how you can personalize your exercise programs and policies to reduce falls risk.

#Presenter

Tina Ziebart is an Assistant Professor at Western University in the School of Physical Therapy. She is also a physiotherapist and certified exercise physiologist. She graduated her undergraduate and master’s from the University of Waterloo in Kinesiology and received her physiotherapy degree from Western University. She completed her PhD in physical therapy at Western University.

Tina has built her career around teaching exercise to people with osteoporosis, both through research and clinically. In research, Tina has published several studies on exercise and posture in people with osteoporosis. She has looked at the barriers and facilitators to exercise, understanding the influence of forward head posture on daily activities, and applying clinical frameworks to treating people with osteoporosis. She is working on gaining a better understanding of patient’s expectations related to exercise, and through a randomized controlled trial on the effects of exercise, nutrition and falls prevention for fracture prevention. Clinically, Tina has worked as physiotherapist, specializing in working with older adults after joint replacements. She recently began a group exercise class to reduce the risk of falls and fractures in people with osteoporosis.

#Webinar Series

This webinar is presented by the Loop falls prevention community of practice. It is part 1/3 of Loop's 'Move, improve, remove' webinar series for Fall Prevention Month. 

  • Move your body: Exercise and Physical Activity to Reduce the Risk of Falls Dr. Tina Ziebart | Assistant Professor, Western University in the School of Physical Therapy Nov. 7, 2023 | 12-1pm ET
  • Improve your health: Medication Considerations for Fall Prevention and Fall-Related Injury Chris Fan-Lun | Pharmacy Clinical Coordinator, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre Nov. 16, 2023 | 12-1pm ET
  • Remove hazards: Reducing the Risk of Falls by Removing Environmental Hazards: An Evidence-based Approach Nancy Edwards | Distinguished Professor and Professor Emerita, University of Ottawa Nov. 28, 2023 | 12-1pm ET
Details
Tuesday, November 7, 2023 - 12:00
12-1 pm
Cost: 
Free
Internal/External: 
Event Type: 
Location
Zoom Webinar

IFIC Canada Virtual Community Care

What is the relationship between integrated care and patient/caregiver engagement? How can engagement with our communities and people with lived healthcare experiences inform and improve integrated systems of care? Join us for a thought-provoking panel to learn about current practices and future directions. Learn from researchers, system leaders and patient perspectives with International and Canadian experience.

We look forward to continuing to bring our community together to learn and have an impact.

#Speakers

  • Helen Lightfoot, Senior Practice Consultant, Connecting People and Community for Living Well, Alberta Health Services
  • Robin Miller, Joint Editor-in-Chief, International Journal for Integrated Care, University of Birmingham
  • Nakia Lee-Foon, Health Equity Lead, Institute for Better Health
  • Kerry Kuluski, Associate Professor, University of Toronto
  • Sandra Holdsworth, Patient Partner

 

 

 

Details
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 - 12:00
12-1:30 pm
Cost: 
Free
Internal/External: 
Event Type: 
Location
Online

Climate Action for Non-Profit Leaders

This 4-week online program with live sessions runs on Thursdays, from 1:00-2:30 pm, October 26 through November 9, 2023

Addressing complex global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, and inequality and injustice can feel impossible for individual actors and organizations, and it can be hard to know where to begin. This program aims to explore the interconnected nature of these challenges and provide systematic and accessible methods for leaders to contribute solutions through the work of their organizations.

Over the course of four interactive 90-minute online sessions, participants will receive an overview of climate change and its implications, explore transition leadership and systems thinking, envision a sustainable and just future, and identify practical steps to implement at their respective non-profit organization.

This program is a collaborative effort between the Ontario Nonprofit Network (ONN) and the Academy for Sustainable Innovation (ASI).

#Who is this program for?

This program is for individuals in the non-profit sector who are interested in considering the impacts of climate change on their purpose and mission. It is well-suited for those who want to include more holistic approaches to framing and solving problems, as well as those looking for a safe space to share concerns about climate or feelings of eco-anxiety. The primary audience is for non-profit leaders who are members of the Ontario Nonprofit Network, or based in Ontario. A limited number of spaces are available for other non-profit leaders from across Canada.

#What is the time commitment?

In addition to the four 90-minute sessions, participants are also encouraged to complete approximately 30 mins of prep work prior to each session to familiarize themselves with the concepts covered. 

#Course Overview

 Each session includes exercises, presentations, and opportunities for participants to practice and apply the concepts learned. Additionally, there will be opportunities for feedback and group discussions to enhance the learning experience.

#Session 1: Introduction to Climate Action (Oct 26, 2023)

This first session will ground participants in an understanding of concepts such as climate change, ecological awareness, and systems thinking. Participants will learn about key environmental metrics, the limitations of isolated "solutions", and the deeper role of mindsets as both a source and solution to global problems. We will also unpack the difficulties of having climate conversations, and practice how to effectively communicate about climate issues.

#Session 2: Transition Leadership (Nov 2, 2023)

Session two will focus on the concept of transition leadership and the role of systems thinking for organizational change. Themes include moving towards a desired future, appreciating complexity, and approaches to application. Participants will have the opportunity to practice how to apply a model of systems change to their own organization.

#Session 3: A Just Transition (Nov 9, 2023)

Participants will explore case studies of the implementation of just transition policies and practices to ground the course’s theoretical material into practical and real-world examples. This session will create space for dialogue and feedback on how to apply best practices in different contexts. Guest speakers will be announced closer to the program start date.

#Session 4: Taking Action as a Transition Leader (Nov 16, 2023)

In the final session, participants will explore regenerative and distributive approaches to running an organization, considering the different themes discussed throughout the course. Acknowledging the scale of the challenge and the impacts of eco-anxiety, we will also discuss personal grounding practices to deepen one’s connection to nature and to mitigate challenges to well-being and mental health.

#Hosting Team

  • Biboye (Bo) Aganaba, Program Manager, ASI
  • Tamara Connell, Chief Executive Officer, ASI

# 

Details
Thursday, October 26, 2023 - 13:00
1:00 - 2:30 pm
Cost: 
$120 per session
Internal/External: 
Event Type: 
Location
Online

Developing Anti-Racist Approaches to Research and Analytics at ICES

Join research and KT leaders at ICES for an open discussion on how you can develop or learn about race and related data guidance. 

This virtual session will introduce the Guidance Document and Framework for Anti-Racist Approaches at ICES to organizations and community members interested in developing or learning about incorporating race and related data into their research or work.

The webinar will highlight the key principles and committed actions, with a focus on health equity data integration and community data governance.

Presenters will also demonstrate the implications for moving forward and the need to reflect on race and related data collection and use particularly in the healthcare research space.

#Speakers

  • Arjumand Siddiqi (Professor, Division Head of Epidemiology, and Canada Research Chair in Population Health Equity at Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto)
  • Michael Schull (CEO, ICES)
  • Astrid Guttmann (Chief Science Officer, ICES)
  • Laura Ferreira-Legere (Senior Manager, Public Engagement & Knowledge Translation, ICES)
Details
Thursday, November 9, 2023 - 13:00
1 - 2 pm
Cost: 
Free
Internal/External: 
Event Type: 
Location
Online

The 3rd Annual Canadian Children, Youth and Communities (CCYC) Health In | Equity Conference

The Canadian Children, Youth and Communities (CCYC) In | Equity Conference is an interdisciplinary conference designed to bring together pediatric health and allied health care professionals to address health care inequities from birth to adolescence using a family-centred approach.

This conference explores health equity topics specific to marginalized communities in the Canadian health care system and offers approaches that can be implemented to address barriers in accessing healthcare for under serviced, high-risk and economically disadvantaged children and youth.

#Target Audience 

This conference is for pediatric health, primary care and allied health professionals in academic and community settings nationwide who are looking to inform their professional practice with a health equity lens. We also invite youth, caregivers and community members to attend the conference to contribute to discussions around addressing system level equity issues. Those seeking approaches to address barriers in accessing health care and ways in which to implement these approaches may find the conference helpful.

#Conference Goals

Overall goals of the conference are:

  • To develop a network of researchers interested in health equity in children, youth and their families
  • To offer solutions to addressing systemic inequities in health from birth to adolescence

#Conference Objectives

Throughout this conference, attendees will explore health system inequity issues specific to children and youth. By the end of the conference, they will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate an increased awareness and identify solutions to addressing systemic inequities in health from birth to adolescence in a post-pandemic world
  2. Critically apply an equity lens to addressing social determinants of physical, developmental and mental health for children, youth and their families in the context of their health systems and communities.
  3. Implement innovative and collaborative approaches to addressing barriers to accessing quality healthcare for children, youth and their families.

#Fees

  • Regular rate: $255 
  • Students, Residents & Fellows: $99 (*Proof of trainee/student status is required)

  • Youth, People with Lived Experience, Parents & Caregivers, Advocates: $49 (*Intended for individuals not actively working in the field who would face financial barriers; if additional barriers exist, please contact us for support).

#Accreditation

This event is accredited for continuing medical education/professional development. Learn more here

 

Details
Friday, October 20, 2023 - 09:00
9am - 5pm
Cost: 
$49 - $255
Location
Online

Aidez à combattre la solitude et l'isolement social grâce à la prescription sociale et établissez un rapport humain le 20 octobre 2023

Date: 
Thursday, October 12, 2023

Voir le communiqué de presse

TORONTO, le 12 oct. 2023 /CNW/ - Les membres de la communauté sont invités à participer à une journée d'évènements de « Prescription sociale pour l'établissement de rapports humains » d'un bout à l'autre de l'Ontario afin de favoriser l'engagement communautaire et lutter contre l'isolement social.

Ces évènements sont ouverts à tous, et portent une attention particulière aux personnes cherchant à améliorer leur bien-être et à renforcer leurs liens sociaux. La prescription sociale est une approche holistique qui met en contact les personnes avec des programmes et des services non cliniques pour favoriser leur santé et leur bien-être. Lors de la Semaine de la santé et du bien-être communautaire, l'Alliance pour des communautés en santé et ses membres organisent des évènements permettant aux personnes de se rassembler et de nouer des liens pour enrichir leur vie.

« Nous espérons engendrer un effet d'entraînement positif qui renforce les liens communautaires », explique Sarah Hobbs, DG de l'Alliance. « Les rapports humains sont au cœur du bien-être, et c'est le travail que notre secteur a toujours préconisé. Nous croyons fermement au pouvoir de la communauté et nous sommes déterminés à favoriser des communautés plus saines et plus unies ».

Les évènements de « Prescription sociale pour l'établissement de rapports humains » offriront aux professionnels de la santé, aux membres de la communauté et aux divers acteurs de l'Ontario la possibilité de faire l'expérience de la prescription sociale le vendredi 20 octobre. Voici quelques exemples de ces évènements :

  • « Art4Wellness -- Mindful Making » au Musée de Sault Ste. Marie, une expérience artistique gratuite ouverte à tous et adaptée aux adultes et aux jeunes plus âgés.
  • La prescription sociale dans les initiatives de carrefours bien-être pour les jeunes : lancement du projet « Social Prescribing for Youth Wellness Hub » lors de l'évènement d'Access Alliance; ce projet est axé sur des interventions non médicales pour promouvoir le bien-être et la santé mentale des jeunes au sein des communautés de nouveaux arrivants vulnérables.

Consultez la liste complète des évènements de prescription sociale à l'adresse suivante : https://www.allianceon.org/fr/La-lutte-contre-lisolement-par-letablissement-de-rapports-humains. Ces évènements seront précédés de la conférence annuelle virtuelle sur la prescription sociale, présentant de nouvelles idées et innovations en matière de prescription sociale et mettant en vedette deux conférenciers de renommée internationale.

La prescription sociale a démontré son impact positif sur notre système de soins de santé en réduisant les coûts et en améliorant à la fois l'expérience du clinicien et celle du patient. En 2018, le projet pilote de prescription sociale de l'Alliance (Rx : Communauté) a montré que les participants ont réduit leur niveau de stress et d'anxiété, amélioré leur confiance en soi et leur sentiment de raison d'être, et diminué leur nombre de visites répétées pour des soins primaires. En 2023, l'Alliance, ses membres et ses partenaires ont trois projets de prescription sociale en cours visant à améliorer la santé, la santé mentale et le bien-être, en portant une attention particulière aux communautés noires, aux personnes âgées, et à la santé mentale après la pandémie. Pour plus d'informations sur les évènements d'établissement de rapports humains ou les projets de prescription sociale de l'Alliance, veuillez visiter https://www.allianceon.org/fr/La-prescription-sociale.

Pour les demandes des médias, des entretiens avec les organisateurs d'évènements et plus d'informations, veuillez contacter :

Sofia Ramirez, sofia.ramirez@allianceon.org, 416-236-6788

À propos de l'Alliance pour des communautés en santé

L'Alliance pour des communautés en santé est la voix d'un réseau dynamique d'organisations de soins de santé primaires régis par la communauté qui servent des communautés diversifiées partout dans la province. Ces organisations ont en commun un engagement envers l'amélioration de l'équité en santé grâce à la prestation de soins de santé primaires complets. Pour en savoir plus sur l'Alliance et ses initiatives de prescription sociale ou pour vous joindre à sa communauté de pratique, veuillez visiter : https://www.allianceon.org/fr ou https://www.allianceon.org/fr/La-prescription-sociale.

 

Help fight loneliness and social isolation with social prescribing and make a Human Connection on October 20

Date: 
Thursday, October 12, 2023

View Release

[Toronto, ON - October 12, 2023] – Community members are invited to join a day of ‘Social Prescribing for Human Connection’ events across Ontario to support community engagement and combat the issue of social isolation.

‘Social Prescribing for Human Connection’ events are open to all, with a special emphasis on people seeking to enhance their wellbeing and connect with others.  Social Prescribing is a holistic approach that connects people with non-clinical programs and services to support their health and wellbeing.  During Community Health and Wellbeing Week, the Alliance for Healthier Communities and its members are hosting events that offer opportunities for people to come together and cultivate connections to enrich their lives.

“We hope to initiate a positive ripple effect that strengthens community ties,” said Sarah Hobbs, CEO of the Alliance. "Human connection lies at the heart of wellbeing, and is the work that our sector has always supported. We strongly believe in the power of community, and we are dedicated to fostering healthier, more connected communities."

‘Social Prescribing for Human Connection’ events will provide a chance for participating healthcare workers, community members and advocates from across Ontario to experience social prescribing in person on Friday, October 20. Some examples of Human Connection events include:

  • Sault Museum for Art4Wellness -- Mindful Making, a free art drop-in experience tailored for adults and older youth.
  • Social Prescribing for Youth Wellness Hub Initiative at Access Alliance's event, "Social Prescribing for Youth Wellness Hub: Project Launch" centering on non-medical interventions dedicated to the wellbeing and mental health of youth within vulnerable newcomer communities.

Explore the full listing of social prescribing events at: https://www.allianceon.org/Social-Prescribing-Human-Connection. These events will follow the annual Social Prescribing virtual conference showcasing fresh ideas and innovations for social prescribing and featuring two international keynote speakers. 

Social Prescribing has been shown to enhance our healthcare system by reducing costs and improving both the clinician and patient experience. In 2018, the Alliance Rx Community social prescribing pilot project showed participants reduced their stress and anxiety, increased their sense of self-confidence and purpose, and decreased the number of repeat visits. In 2023, the Alliance its members and partners have three ongoing social prescribing projects to improve health, mental health and well-being focused on Black communities, older adults and post-pandemic mental health. For more information on the Human Connection events or Alliance’s social prescribing projects, visit https://www.allianceon.org/Social-Prescribing.

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For media inquiries, interviews with event organizers and further information, please contact:

Sofia Ramirez, sofia.ramirez@allianceon.org (link sends e-mail), 416-236-6788

 

About The Alliance for Healthier Communities

The Alliance for Healthier Communities is the voice of a vibrant network of community-governed primary health care organizations that serve diverse communities across the province. These organizations share a commitment to advancing health equity through the delivery of comprehensive primary health care. To learn more about the Alliance and our Social Prescribing Initiatives or join the community of practice, visit: https://www.allianceon.org/ or https://www.allianceon.org/Social-Prescribing.