Social Prescribing for Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer

The social and emotional needs of adolescents and young adults with cancer differ from those of children and older adults but they are often not met by paediatric or adult services. Social prescribing, a community-based service that connects people to various activities and supports in the community, has positive health benefits for adults with health difficulties. However, less is known about the impact of social prescribing on adolescents’ and young adults’ health and wellbeing as research on this topic is still in its infancy. This exploratory study will therefore investigate the acceptability and suitability of social prescribing as a support mechanism for adolescents and young adults with cancer.

Funders

Irish Research Council New Foundations Award

Research Team

Dr Margaret Lawler (PI) & Prof Deirdre Connolly (TCD)

Research Collaborators

Ms Amy Nolan (Head of CAYA, Irish Cancer Society), Ms Elaine Smyth, Children’s Cancer Nurse Coordinator, Irish Cancer Society