Enhancing Social Health through Community Integration: Overview of Social Services and a Framework for Social Prescribing in Guimar - Abstract
This paper explores the implementation of social prescribing in Guimarães, Portugal to enhance social health through community integration. Recognizing
the integral role of social health, defined by the World Health Organization as a key component of overall well-being, the paper identifies gaps in the current
social support infrastructure and offers recommendations for improvement. Guimarães, with its unique demographics and comprehensive public health services,
provides a robust social support network through various programs including Local Social Development Offices (Gabinetes Locais de Desenvolvimento Social),
Social Network (Rede Social), Guimarães 65+, Guimarães Welcomes (Guimarães Acolhe), Local Volunteer Bank (Banco Local de Voluntariado), Commission
for the Protection of Children and Youth (Comissão de Proteção de Crianças e Jovens), Municipal Equality Space (Espaço Municipal para a Igualdade), and
Inclusion Desk (Balcão da Inclusão). These programs address diverse community needs but face challenges such as resource limitations, service disparities, and
coordination difficulties.
Key recommendations for implementing social prescribing include developing a formalized framework, enhancing awareness and training for healthcare
providers, detailed mapping of social resources, improving inter-agency communication, and establishing robust evaluation mechanisms. By addressing these
areas, Guimarães can improve social health outcomes and provide a model for other cities in Portugal.