Connector Point in Pharmacy
We are seeking pharmacies in the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow and Penrith areas to participate in our social prescribing program to improve social connections for older adults. This is part of our Compassionate Communities initiative aimed at enhancing social connections among older adults. Our 2025 Pharmacy Connector Points video explains the role.
Background
Pharmacies are an important service in the community that can assist patients who may be experiencing social isolation and/or loneliness due to a range of life circumstances.
Through this initiative, pharmacists will conduct social prescribing. This is where health professionals refer patients to non-clinical services, social groups or lifestyle activities. It can be used to address a range of physical and mental health issues.
Feedback from a Pharmacy Connector in 2025
“It was such a natural fit with what our pharmacy was doing and with what a number of community pharmacies are doing. It addresses a real need in our community.”
Objectives
- To increase the number of older people in the region accessing the services and support they need and feel connected to the others and their community
- Increase the number of pharmacists who are aware of the services and support available through the My Health Connector directory
- Increase the use of social prescribing among primary care professionals, including pharmacists.
Eligibility criteria for community pharmacies:
- Based in the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow or Penrith local government areas
- A minimum of two pharmacists to complete the program
- A private area for conversations to be conducted
- Access to computer with a reliable internet connection.
What's involved?
- Two pharmacists to complete five hours of Pharmacist Training Program on Loneliness provided by Pharmacy Addressing Loneliness and Social Isolation (PALS)
- A 30-minute online training session for participating pharmacists on the My Health Connector directory facilitated by Wentworth Healthcare
- At least one pharmacist participates in two online Community of Practice Meetings, facilitated by Wentworth Healthcare
- Conduct conversations with identified older people and provide monthly data on:
- Basic patient demographics
- Number of conversations conducted and supports discussed
- Types of activities patients referred to using My Health Connector directory
- Any follow up if applicable
- Time spent on consultation
Benefits
- Remuneration for the pharmacy involvement on the program
- Earn 10 CPD points (five hours of Group 2 CPD) upon completing the Pharmacist Training Program on Loneliness
- Identify common signs and causes of loneliness
- Support older adults to access services and support
- Increase awareness of resources available in the community by utilising the My Health Connector directory
Program timeline
- EOI close date: 5:00pm on 5 December 2025
- Successful applicants notified by 19 December 2025
- Training to be completed by 31 January 2026
- Activity period from 1 February 2026 to 30 November 2026
How to apply
If you are interested in joining our Connector Point in Pharmacy program, complete the expression of interest form below by 5:00pm on Friday 5 December 2025 For any questions or more information on this program, send an email to our Healthy Ageing Team.
