Social Prescribing Pilot for Individuals Living with Lupus | Lupus Canada

Researchers at the University of Waterloo, in collaboration with Lupus Canada, individuals living with lupus, and healthcare professionals, are recruiting Ontario residents living with lupus to participate in a new Social Prescribing Pilot.

This pilot will explore how personalized, community-based supports may help improve wellbeing and strengthen connections within the lupus community.

Researchers are currently recruiting both Participants and Link Workers living with lupus in Ontario.

What Is Social Prescribing?

Social prescribing is a holistic approach that supports overall wellbeing by connecting people with non-medical services and community resources.

Rather than focusing only on clinical care, social prescribing helps individuals identify activities, programs, and supports that may contribute to their wellbeing.

Examples may include:

• Art and creative programs
• Volunteer opportunities
• Community groups
• Recreation and wellness activities
• Social supports

At its core, social prescribing focuses on: “What matters to you?” rather than “What is the matter with you?”

Why This Research Matters

While social prescribing programs exist in other healthcare settings, there has not been a social prescribing pilot specifically developed for people living with lupus.

People living with lupus often face unique physical, emotional, and social challenges. This pilot was created to better understand how tailored, lupus-specific support could improve wellbeing and help inform future programs, services, and research.

Because this is a pilot project, participants and Link Workers will play an important role in helping shape what future versions of the program may look like.

How the Pilot Works

Step 1: Recruitment

Researchers are recruiting approximately 25 participants and 10 Link Workers living with lupus in Ontario.

Step 2: Link Worker Training

Selected Link Workers will receive training to prepare them for their role supporting participants.

Step 3: Personalized Wellbeing Plans

Participants will meet virtually with trained Link Workers to create a personalized wellbeing plan based on their goals, interests, and needs.

Step 4: Community Connections

Participants will be connected with activities, resources, and supports that align with their wellbeing goals.

Step 5: Evaluation

Researchers will gather feedback through surveys, interviews, and discussions to better understand the impact of the pilot and identify opportunities for future development.

Ways to Get Involved

Participant Role

Researchers are seeking approximately 25 individuals living with lupus in Ontario to participate in the pilot.

As a participant, you will:

• Meet virtually with trained Link Workers
• Create a personalized wellbeing plan
• Participate in surveys and interviews
• Help shape future lupus support initiatives and research

Time Commitment: Approximately 1–2 hours per week for 6 months

Honorarium: $100 upon completion

Eligibility:

• Living with lupus
• Ontario resident
• 18 years of age or older
• Speak English
• Access to a laptop, smartphone, and internet connection

Link Worker Role

Researchers are also seeking individuals living with lupus to serve as Link Workers.

Link Workers will work alongside another Link Worker to support participants, connect them with resources and activities, and contribute to the implementation and evaluation of the pilot.

Time Commitment:

• Training (approximately 6–10 hours)
• Approximately 5 hours per week during the active pilot phase

Honorarium:

• $250 upon completion
• Up to $50 per month toward a smartphone data plan if required

Eligibility:

• Living with lupus
• Ontario resident
• 18 years of age or older
• Speak English
• Access to a laptop and internet connection

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact the Research Team

Satveer Dhillon
PhD Candidate, University of Waterloo

Email: sk8dhill@uwaterloo.ca

This study has been reviewed and received ethics clearance through a University of Waterloo Research Ethics Board.