RSA launches tablet application, Social Mirror

This week the RSA enters its final testing of the Social Mirror, a tablet application that makes it easier for people to understand their own social networks: their personal, professional and community connections and contacts. Our first pilot, the Social Mirror: Community Prescriptions project will launch in Knowle West, Bristol, on the 8 April.

At its heart, it will enable users to measure, visualise and positively change these connections, helping them to take action to improve their health and wellbeing and to enhance potential feelings of ‘community’.

Working with the Knowle West Media Centre, we’re piloting the tool with doctors in Bristol, who are using it to question people about their social connections, and issue 'social prescriptions' for community groups and activities.

RSA Senior Researcher Gaia Marcus explains: “The project in Knowle West came about because, in our research, we found that a lot of people rely on doctors and places like Filwood Hope [Advice Centre] for social support and advice.

“We thought it would be great if we could give GPs and community workers an easy way of understanding what people’s social connections look like, and what is out there…”

We encourage you to read and share a short briefing (PDF 500KB) about the project, which has more information about how you can get involved. You can also visit the Social Mirror website or follow @SocialMirrorApp on Twitter.