Ms Adeline O'Brien:

As for the issue of isolation, we saw it enter the mainstream and there was discussion on people experiencing isolation in both rural and urban contexts. One measure local development companies are looking at in particular concerns the fact that people who are not naturally connected within their community and who are experiencing isolation tend often to attend their GP. In our local area of Mulhuddart, the GP tells us that there are people accessing her services who she has referred to our social prescribing programme. This programme, which we have established, is evidence-based and shows that for people who are experiencing isolation, anxiety and low-grade depression, attendance at their GP actually reduces as they are connected with their local community.

The social prescribing programme meets with an individual who is referred by the GP, by other services, or as a self-refer. It takes a person through a typical day and what that could be like, living in his or her own community and connected to all the community resources around him or her. We find that is a very positive way of identifying what each individual needs in terms of isolation. Sometimes, if there are many people in an area there is a sense of “We need to form a group”, but sometimes isolation is very person-centred. Sometimes that person needs a bit of support along with the social prescriber, so his or her capacity to engage in a group or to connect with their local community around them is developed. I am aware social prescribing is one measure already being run by the ILDN and many of our member organisations and companies throughout the country. For that to be developed and expanded further would be very important. I will hand over to Mr. Saunders to discuss the LEADER programme.