What is Social Prescribing?
Social prescribing is a relationship-based approach that helps connect people to local, non-clinical supports that can improve well-being. Health and social care professionals may refer individuals to community services such as volunteer support, cultural and recreation programs, food security supports, transportation assistance, social groups, or wellness activities. Social prescribing recognizes that health is shaped by more than medical care alone. By strengthening community connection, personal choice, and a sense of belonging, it helps people access the supports they need to live well. At OBVS, we bridge these gaps by listening to what truly matters to you, grounding our support in the strength and connections of our local community.
The Greater Victoria Community Connector Program
A social prescribing service for older adults aged 55+ who live independently and are able to make their own decisions about the supports they receive. We connect participants with local programs, services, and resources that support health, wellbeing, and social connection, including help navigating housing, finding social activities, or accessing community supports. Our goal is to help older adults stay engaged, connected, and thriving in their community.
The Role of the Community Connector
A Community Connector provides personalized support to help participants navigate local services, programs, and community resources. By listening carefully to each person’s goals and circumstances, the Community Connector helps identify meaningful opportunities for connection and support, and works alongside them to access the resources that best meet their needs.
Emma Goulding
Community Connector Program Director
Is this Program for You?
YOU WOULD LIKE HELP WITH:
-
Feeling lonely or socially isolated
-
Emotional or mental well-being
-
Housing information or guidance
-
Finances, benefits, or navigating services
-
Getting active or eating well
-
Creative, cultural, or social activities
-
Life changes such as retirement, loss, or changes in health
ELIGIBILITY
-
You navigate life independently
-
You are 55+
-
You live in Greater Victoria
Community Resources
Find the support you need through our curated network of local partners and services.
Social Supports
Cultural Supports
Accessibility
Food & Essentials
The Southern Vancouver Island Social Prescribing Steering Committee (SPSC) is a cross-sector collaborative advancing social prescribing as a vital and sustainable component of regional health and community systems.
Convened by Oak Bay Volunteer Services, SPSC brings together leaders from community organizations, healthcare, academia, Indigenous communities, and government. The Committee works to strengthen, sustain, and expand social prescribing practices across Southern Vancouver Island.
Our work focuses on building shared regional understanding and consistent practices, improving referral and communication pathways, and promoting relationship-centered approaches that honour dignity, lived experience, and community strengths. We are committed to advancing equity, inclusion, and culturally safe practices in all aspects of social prescribing.
Through coordinated education, evaluation, research, and systems design, we aim to bridge healthcare and community supports to ensure our communities can access non-clinical services that address the social determinants of health, reduce system strain, and improve overall wellbeing.
SPSC does not deliver direct services. Instead, we strive to guide, connect, and strengthen the regional ecosystem that enables social prescribing to thrive. Our work supports collaboration, shared learning, sustainable funding, and collective advocacy.