Simple to join, powerful in impact. Sports on Prescription is a type of social prescribing: instead of just writing a referral, you can prescribe community-based activities and sports, connecting interested patients to a Link Worker who helps patients engage with activities of interest. Find out more below then register your interest today to secure a place in Stage 1.
Expression of Interest from GPs to join the pilot
Details about Sports on Prescription
What is Social Prescribing?
Social prescribing is when healthcare providers connect patients to non-medical supports in the community, such as exercise, social groups, or volunteering, as part of a care plan.
Why get involved?
- Help patients improve health and wellbeing through local, community-based sport.
- Provide patients 5 free activity vouchers (tennis, lawn bowls, pickleball, volunteering, aquarobics).
- Enhance chronic disease management outcomes: improved compliance, reduced isolation, better quality of life.
- Access ongoing support from trained Link Workers and the RACGP Social Prescribing SIG.
- Be part of a nationally significant pilot positioning your practice as a leader in preventive, whole-person care.
Why refer?
Social isolation and loneliness are not but minor issues, they’re public health risks:
- 1 in 3 Australians experience loneliness and 2 in 5 young adults report feeling isolated.
- The impact on health is as bad as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
- Increases risk of heart attack, stroke, and premature death by nearly 30% and raises risk of depression and dementia by up to 50%.
Sports on Prescription addresses these risks directly by connecting patients to structured, supportive, and social community activities that improve both physical health and mental wellbeing.
Who can participate?
Eligible patients:
- Adults with a Chronic Disease Management Plan and/or at risk of poor health outcomes.
- Experiencing social isolation.
- Hold a pension card.
Exclusions: Patients with acute/severe mental health needs or without GP clearance.
What's involved for your practice?
Time Commitment:
- One short referral conversation per patient.
- Simple referral form (about 5 minutes).
Responsibilities:
- Identify eligible patients.
- Gain patient consent and make referral.
- Optional: participate in evaluation feedback.
Support Provided:
- Link Worker handles patient contact, voucher allocation,and program coordination.
- GP introduction seminars (with RACGP Social Prescribing SIG Chair Dr. Kuljit Singh).
- Practice staff receive updates on patient engagement and outcomes.
Program timeline
- EOIs Open now – Closing soon
- Stage 1 Pilot Commences: November 2025
- Duration: 12 weeks per patient referral
- Evaluation & Next Steps: Early 2026
Benefits for practices
- Strengthen patient relationships through holistic care.
- Boost reputation as a community health leader.
- Professional development opportunities in social prescribing practice.
- Contribute to national research and policy shaping future Medicare-supported preventive care.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there a payment for participation?
There is no payment or stipend for the GP practice to refer patients into the Sport on Prescription pilot. However, involvement offers valuable benefits including Professional Development opportunities and the chance to demonstrate leadership in holistic, patient-centred care, contributing to national research and policy shaping future Medicare-supported preventive care.
Is there an expectation for GPs to follow up with patients after referral?
There is no formal requirement for GPs to conduct follow-up, but communication is encouraged. PCCS provides updates on patient progress and outcomes, helping GPs stay informed. This supports continuity of care and allows GPs to integrate insights from the program into broader clinical management if needed.
Will you continue engaging with my patient for other promotional activities or programs?
No, patients will not be contacted by PCCS for other promotional purposes. The focus remains on supporting their wellbeing through the current program, with respect for their privacy and preferences.
How will updates on patient engagement and outcomes be delivered to practice staff?
An engagement letter will be provided to referring GPs that states the patient’s start date, and the sports they are participating in, and a discharge letter will be provided when the patient is discharged that outlines the patient’s sporting plan.
Can a patient choose five different sports with the vouchers?
Patients will have access to the specified sporting activities that are linked to 5 free vouchers. The aim is for the patient to stay with a particular activity for the duration of the 5 vouchers.
The sports vouchers on offer are:
- Bowls in specific clubs (Helensvale, Burleigh Heads)
- Pickleball in specific clubs (Runaway Bay, Miami, Currumbin)
- Aqua fitness in specific centres (Nerang Aquatic, Miami aquatic, Mudgeeraba aquatic)
- Soccer (volunteering role only in specific clubs) – (Ormeau, Robina Bay, Palm Beach)
- Tennis in specific clubs (Discovery Park, GC seniors Mermaid Waters, Palm Beach)
- Volunteering roles with specific clubs
What if my patient does not want to participate in the sports activities offered?
This study includes two participation streams to accommodate different preferences.
- Stream 1 offers access to five free vouchers for selected sports activities at no cost.
- Stream 2 is for individuals who prefer not to engage in the specified sports. These individuals will be linked to the Healthy and Active website for sports activities that do have a cost.
Does the patient need to commit to all five sessions? Is this accurate?
No, patients are not required to commit to all five sessions. They can participate at their own pace and comfort level, with the option to continue, stop, or change activities based on their experience.
Can you guarantee the quality of the sports programs offered?
PCCS are working with trusted community partners, like the Confederation of Australian Sport and the Healthy and Active website, to deliver sports programs that are safe, inclusive, and supportive of participant wellbeing. While we cannot guarantee a uniform experience across all activities, we aim to ensure that each program meets a high standard of delivery and aligns with the goals of Sports of Prescription social prescribing program.
If something happens during a sports event, who is responsible?
All sports activities are delivered by community providers who are responsible for ensuring participant safety and carry their own insurance. Importantly, GP clearance is required before a patient participates, to ensure the activity is appropriate for their health and wellbeing.
Next steps
- Register your interest today to secure a place in Stage 1. Spaces for this stage are limited to practices located within 6km of Upper Coomera, Burleigh Waters, or Nerang:
Contact Elaine Stern 📞 0434 371 450 📧 estern@pccs.org.au - Other areas will be included in subsequent stages so please register your interest as well.
- Download a patient referral form here or see our provider resources page
Brochure download
With thanks to the support of our partners:
