Faith Communities & Social Prescribing

 

Last week I took in an online seminar called RX Belonging presented by The Walrus magazine. It was an excellent event with four concise, informative and inspiring presenters from across the country on the subject of "social prescribing." This is a growing movement addressing how we can address with a holistic approach what has been described as the loneliness epidemic through what one of the presenters described as the four Ps: People, Place, Power, and Purpose. The fourth includes sharing, belief, and meaning. 

Here is part of the description of the event:

Exploring the power of social prescribing to build connections, improve well-being, and foster belonging

The evidence is clear: social isolation and loneliness can be as harmful to our health as smoking fifteen cigarettes a day. But what can we do about it?

Imagine if, after a doctor’s visit, you could receive prescriptions for walking groups, cultural programming, and community meals, in addition to medicine.

Social prescribing looks different in each community and for each person, depending on interests, needs, and goals. Across the different models, social prescribing works to build intentional bridges across social, arts and culture, nature, and health systems to foster a more connected community where we can all thrive.

                                                                    RX Belong Presenters

As worthwhile as this presentation was I was struck by the fact that no mention was made of the social and "meaning" connection provided by faith communities, including churches. 

In every congregation I've been part of, including Trenton United Church now, there has been a strong emphasis on staying connected with members. This happens through Sunday worship but also through social gatherings, regular visits for the elderly who need support, and discussion/study groups. In most of the congregations I served we had a paid staff member for visitation and coordination of volunteers and I always did home and institutional visits. During the pandemic there was a dedicated group of Trenton UC members who stayed connected with those who were isolated through phone calls, distanced porch visits, and even the provision of meals. 

After The Walrus presentation we receive an email asking for our assessment and while I offered plenty of praise I noted this absence. A week after my observation...crickets. 

Is it just a sign of our secular times that we our society doesn't want to acknowledge what is hidden in plain sight? There is no need to be religious or sectarian to recognize the huge reservoir of social capital in faith communities. Perhaps we need a prescription for an awareness and appreciation of this meaningful aspect of society.