Social Prescribing
Caregivers Nova Scotia is growing its work in Social Prescribing as part of a national effort to better support unpaid caregivers.
We’re moving into the next phase of the initiative focused on strengthening and expanding how caregivers across Nova Scotia are connected to meaningful, non-clinical support. The project became possible with funding from the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence, powered by the Azrieli Foundation, and support from the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing.
Over the next three years, this work will focus on making it easier for caregivers to be recognized, referred and supported earlier in their journey.
Social prescribing is a way of connecting people to community-based supports that improve overall wellbeing. For caregivers, that can mean help navigating systems, emotional support, access to resources or simply feeling less alone in their role.
We know that many caregivers:
- don’t always identify themselves as caregivers
- put their own needs last
- have difficulty finding the right supports at the right time
This work is about changing that.
In practical terms, we’re building a more connected approach across healthcare and community services in Nova Scotia.
That includes:
- making referrals from healthcare providers simpler and more consistent
- strengthening partnerships with primary care, hospitals, and community organizations
- expanding access to support in rural and underserved communities
- offering ongoing, relationship-based support not just one-time navigation
- using what we learn from caregivers to continuously improve services
This matters because when caregivers are supported, everything around them is more stable.
Earlier access to the right supports can help reduce isolation, prevent burnout, and avoid situations where both the caregiver and the person they support reach a crisis point. It also strengthens the broader healthcare system as we know that when caregivers are well, our healthcare system wins.
Looking ahead, our goal is that by 2029, caregiver-focused social prescribing will simply be part of how care works in Nova Scotia.
Caregivers will be more consistently identified. Referrals will feel seamless. And support will be there throughout the caregiving journey not just when things become overwhelming.
If you’re a caregiver, healthcare provider or community partner and want to learn more or get involved, we’d love to connect.
Contact: Lyn Stuart, 902-595-0128, Care@caregiversns.org