Livingstone Shire selected as trial site for program designed to

Published on 06 August 2025

Social_Prescribing_Trial___The_Community_Centre___Supervisor_Robyn_Kleinhans_and_Councillor_Andrea_Friend.jpg

Livingstone Shire has been fortunate to be selected as one of the trial sites for a new program aimed at enhancing mental and physical wellbeing, while fostering a sense of belonging within the community.

The Social Prescribing Trial was recently launched in Livingstone Shire, focusing on families with children aged 0–18—an often-overlooked group within the Social Prescribing model.

Recreation and Culture portfolio co-lead, Councillor Andrea Friend said the Queensland Government launched a Parliamentary Inquiry into rising loneliness and social isolation in 2021, and as a result, 10 Neighbourhood Centres were selected to trial the program.

“The region is unique in terms of social isolation and loneliness, influenced by its demographics and the transient nature of the mining and farming industries,” Cr Friend said.

“There are also fewer services available to support families with complex needs.

“As part of the trial, a Queensland Government-funded Link Worker is now based at The Community Centre in Yeppoon to accept referrals from GPs, health professionals, and other service providers, helping connect individuals experiencing loneliness or social isolation with local community activities that support improved wellbeing for individuals and families.

“Council is thrilled to see this trial carried out in Livingstone Shire and looks forward to seeing the benefits it will provide to community members who may need support.

“Council would like to thank the Queensland Government for their funding support towards this important trial, and we sincerely hope the trial will continue beyond the trial period if successful.”

The Community Centre is located at 80 John Street, Yeppoon and the Social Prescribing Trial Link Worker is available by appointment from Monday – Friday 9am to 4pm.

What is Social Prescribing?

Social Prescribing is a non-clinical, early intervention approach designed to strengthen social connections and enhance mental and physical wellbeing, while fostering a sense of belonging within the community. It aims to address the root causes of isolation and poor social health by linking individuals and families to local supports.

Service users are allocated a Link Worker, who plays a central role in connecting them to appropriate services and supports. This helps to reduce the risks associated with social isolation and loneliness through meaningful connection and the development of a co-produced support plan. The Link Worker identifies the barriers faced by the family and provides support to help reduce or overcome them.

The Link Worker connects people to low- or no-cost, community-based activities such as sport, art, drama, fishing, volunteering, and peer support. It can also support the development of new initiatives tailored to local needs and assist families in accessing services related to mental health, the NDIS, education, and housing.

Eligibility:

Families with children under 18
Experiencing or at risk of loneliness or social isolation

Support Offered:

Connection to local groups, activities, volunteering, and support networks
Help overcoming barriers to community participation
Peer Support Group for families/caregivers navigating developmental delays, ADHD, Autism, or the NDIS system
Assistance accessing services such as the NDIS, Child Health Nurse, Centrelink, Occupational Therapist and counselling
Social Prescribing Fishing Group

Families can self-refer or be referred by other agencies.

For more information, contact Livingstone Shire’s Social Prescribing Link Worker Jamie Duke via email at Jamie.Duke@livingstone.qld.gov.au or phone: 0419 529 650