Derry entrepreneur Leeann Monk-Özgul, Co-Founder of Access Elemental, has been awarded the prestigious Catalyst for Change Award at the INVENT 2024 Awards. This recognition celebrates her significant contributions to social prescribing and her dedication to driving positive social change through innovative solutions.
Leeann co-founded Access Elemental with Jennifer Neff with the vision of bridging the gap between healthcare and social care. Their platform has become a vital tool in the social prescribing model, connecting individuals to local services and community programmes that support their overall well-being. By empowering health professionals to refer patients to non-medical services, Access Elemental helps reduce hospital admissions and ease pressure on GP services, demonstrating the transformative power of community-based interventions.
Reflecting on her nomination, Leeann noted the importance of Catalyst in their journey. The organisation provided critical mentorship and networking opportunities during the early days of Elemental’s launch. This support helped turn a bold idea into a thriving platform that plays a key role in improving health outcomes for communities.
Leeann’s recognition as the winner of the Catalyst for Change Award highlights the growing importance of social prescribing in addressing health inequalities and promoting holistic care. Together with her co-founder, Jennifer Neff, Leeann’s work continues to have a lasting impact on the well-being of communities.
Sources:
"Derry innovator’s work in social prescribing recognised at INVENT 2024," Derry Journal, https:///business/derry-innovators-work-in-social-prescribing-recognised-at-invent-2024-4809346
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Access Elemental Social Prescribing