ESTEVAN, SK – The Estevan Community Wellness Committee is excited to announce that we are partnering with Sask. Seniors Mechanism to take part in a Social Prescribing pilot project in Saskatchewan. Social Prescribing provides an opportunity to help individuals aged 55+ improve their wellness by connecting them with local activities and support through a Community Connector. Referrals to the Community Connector can come from health professionals (doctors, nurses, social workers, paramedics…), family, friends, or self-referrals. The purpose of the program is to improve wellness through improved social connections within the community.
Sheila Farstad has been hired as the Community Connector for the Estevan area. The role of the Community Connector is to fill social prescriptions by helping individuals who have received these prescriptions to build a tailored wellness plan specifically for them and connecting people to relevant local services, programs and supports to help them feel better and rely less on medical care.
As the steering committee for the Social Prescribing program locally, the Estevan Community Wellness Committee has secured funding from Sask. Seniors Mechanism to the end of 2027 with the hopes that this will become a permanent position in our community. The aim is to make life better by encouraging friendships, support, and confidence. Studies have shown that this approach helps communities become healthier and happier, while also lowering health inequalities – which means making sure everyone gets a fair chance to be well.
As this is a pilot project, the Estevan Community Wellness Committee will continue to look for service gaps or barriers, for ways to improve or develop programs based on community needs, and for feedback from the Community Connector and the community.
More information about Social Prescribing can be found on our website here or www.skseniorsmechanism.ca
About Estevan Community Wellness
The Estevan Community Wellness Committee is committed to fostering a safer, healthier, and more connected community through collaboration, innovation, and action. Guided by four key priority areas – Mental Wellness, Substance Use and Addiction, Education and Employment, and Victimization, the committee focuses on proactive, community-based solutions. Current initiatives include launching a neighborhood watch and/or block parent-style program, strengthening natural support networks among residents, partnering with local organizations to promote wellness-focused events, and addressing critical service gaps such as affordable transportation. Together, these efforts aim to build a resilient, inclusive, and thriving Estevan. Anyone interested in learning more or being a part of the Estevan Community Wellness Committee or Community Builders, please email us: estevancommunitywellness@gmail.com
