The Manitoba government says it’s taking another step to help seniors and other Manitobans feel less alone.
Social prescribing — which connects people to community programs instead of just medical treatment — is now available in all five regional health authorities.
That means doctors and other health-care providers can refer patients to things like walking groups, lunch programs, creative classes or peer support — depending on what they need.
More than 120 resource co-ordinators across the province help match people with local supports.
The move comes as loneliness continues to be a growing concern. Statistics Canada says more than one in 10 Canadians feel lonely often or always, and nearly one in five older adults experience loneliness.
The province says referrals to the program have jumped about 44 per cent over the past year.
