Help Us Learn How Social Prescribing Improves Health and Wellbeing
About the Study
We’re inviting older adults across British Columbia who are taking part in the Social Prescribing Program to join a research study. This study will help us understand how connecting people to community supports—like social groups, meal programs, and transportation—affects health, wellbeing, and quality of life.
Social prescribing helps you link with services and activities that matter to you. By joining the evaluation, you’ll help us learn what’s working well and help us demonstrate the value of our programs to our funders.
What Participation Involves
You’ll be asked to complete two short surveys about your health, social life, and wellbeing when you start the program and again about six months later.
Each survey takes about 10–15 minutes to complete and can be done online or over the phone.
You may also be invited to take part in an optional interview or small discussion group to share your experiences in more detail.
Benefits
While you may not benefit directly, your input will help improve services that support older adults’ independence, social connection, and quality of life.
You will receive a small honorarium of $50 to thank you for your time.
Who Can Participate
You may be invited to take part if you:
Are participating in a Social Prescribing Program
Are 55 years of age or older
Live in British Columbia
Participation is completely voluntary.
Your Privacy
All information you provide will be kept confidential and stored securely. Your answers will be combined with others and used only for research purposes to improve the program. No individual results will be shared with your care providers.
Who Is Conducting the Study
This study is led by researchers at Simon Fraser University and United Way British Columbia, in partnership with BC’s regional health authorities. It has been approved by the Simon Fraser University Research Ethics Board.
