Exploring the role of music therapy within the emerging social prescribing framework in Australia

Tracks
Stream Two
Friday, October 17, 2025
1:30 PM - 1:40 PM
Centre Stage 2

Overview

Amy Cooper, Dr Jeanette Kennelly, Associate Professor Alison Short


Speaker

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Amy Cooper
Growlife Medical

Exploring the role of music therapy within the emerging social prescribing framework in Australia

Abstract

Social Prescribing is a model of healthcare designed to address unmet social needs that contribute to poor health, occurring through non-medical community programs. An emerging field of research in Australia is social prescribing, and this framework is often linked to addressing mental health issues. In 2024, General Practitioners listed mental health concerns as the top presentation of patients, citing social isolation as one of the leading causes. As an arts-based intervention, music therapists have a role for implementing social prescribing in such a context, and yet scant research exists exploring the role and function of the music therapist between medical care and community group facilitation. Such an intervention may be applied to assist vulnerable families by using music to improve parenting behaviours, community engagement, and the development of support networks. This presentation explores social prescribing practice in Australia, outlining an innovative music therapy program in general practice and examining the impact of a music therapy social prescribing project in connection with a local Urgent Care Clinic. Current and anticipated outcomes are discussed, including project feasibility for families attending music therapy community programs, and further exploring considerations for music therapists working in this emerging social prescribing landscape.

Biography

Amy Cooper is a Registered Music Therapist working in primary care within a general practice clinic. Her previous clinical experiences as a music therapist include special education and aged care. Amy is an early career researcher focusing on family and community health.
Dr Jeanette Kennelly
Inspiravision

Exploring the role of music therapy within the emerging social prescribing framework in Australia

Biography

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Associate Professor Alison Short
Western Sydney University

Exploring the role of music therapy within the emerging social prescribing framework in Australia

Biography

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