Social Prescriber
Link Worker Program
This service is funded by Healthy North Coast through the North Coast PHN program
Healthy Towns: Building healthier, more connected communities
Healthy Towns is a whole-of-community initiative bringing together residents, community organisations, healthcare providers, local government, businesses and philanthropy to create places where people can live healthier, more connected and more fulfilling lives.
We know that health is shaped by far more than healthcare alone. Our relationships, sense of belonging, opportunities to get involved, access to services, local leadership, and the strength of our community all play a part in our health and wellbeing.
Rather than creating something new, Healthy Towns builds on the strengths, assets and infrastructure already within our community helping people manage their health, access what matters to them, and strengthen connections that support healthier living and ageing.
Every community on the North Coast deserves the chance to be a Healthy Town, and Murwillumbah and Wauchope are leading the way as the first two towns on this journey. We believe communities themselves are best placed to shape what a healthier future looks like and that’s exactly what this initiative is about.
Click here for more information about the Healthy Towns Program!
Click here for more information about why Murwillumbah was chosen!
Meet our Social Prescribing Link Worker
As part of Healthy Towns, our practice is proud to be home to a Social Prescribing Link Worker, Leanne. Social prescribing connects people aged 45+ with non-medical, community-based support- think social groups, arts and culture, physical activity, volunteering, and aged care resources to help reduce social isolation and support overall health and wellbeing.
It’s often described as a “non-medical prescription”: rather than a medication, our Link Worker takes the time to understand what matters to you and helps connect you with activities and support in the local community, working alongside the care you already receive from your GP.
A community collaboration
This program is a collaborative project funded by our local Primary Health Network (PHN), and Murwillumbah Family Doctors has been selected to host the Social Prescribing Link Worker for our community, bringing this valuable support directly to local patients as part of the broader Healthy Towns initiative.
FAQ for Patients
How much does the service cost?
This is a free service due to the Healthy Towns Government Funded Initiative. The program will run until March 2028.
Are you right for the program?
- Aged 45 years and over
- Must live within the Murwillumbah post code
- Experiencing loneliness or social isolation
- Unable to access resources directly to address situational stressors
- Emerging mental health symptoms affecting functioning, with no existing MH diagnosis
- Living with long-term or chronic health conditions (including mental health) alongside unmet psychosocial needs affecting quality of life and functioning
- Queries relating to referrals can be directed to Leanne via email.
How do I join the program?
- You can see your GP for a referral
- You can fill out the contact form below and Leanne will get in touch
How long can I see the Link Worker for?
Everyone is different, as part of the program, Leanne is able to engage with clients for up to 12 weeks.
Where do I see the Link Worker?
Murwillumbah Family Doctors is hosting Leanne for the duration of the program.
- You can see her within the GP practice- you do not need to be a current patient
- You can also see Leanne at the local Murwillumbah Library
FAQ for Referring GPs, other Health Care Professionals & Community Organisations
How do I refer a patient?
A template has been added to your Best Practice system
‘Social Prescribing Referral’
Complete the form which will auto populate required info from the patient chart
Send via Medical Objects.
‘ADD MO NAME’
or Email
Referral Guide & Eligibility
- Aged 45 years and over
- Must live within the Murwillumbah post code
- Experiencing loneliness or social isolation
- Unable to access resources directly to address situational stressors
- Emerging mental health symptoms affecting functioning, with no existing MH diagnosis
- Living with long-term or chronic health conditions (including mental health) alongside unmet psychosocial needs affecting quality of life and functioning
- Queries relating to referrals can be directed to Leanne via the contact form below.
How much does the service cost?
This is a free service due to the Healthy Towns Government Funded Initiative. The program will run until March 2028.
Self Referrals and Contact
To self refer or get in touch with our Social Prescriber, complete the form below and Leanne will be in touch!