"What Matters to You?": Transforming Vital Conversations in Health and Community Care

Social prescribing is bridging the gap between clinical care and wellbeing.

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Canadian and international community gathered for critical discussions at Canada’s inaugural social prescribing summit “Advancing Social Prescribing for Health and Wellbeing.” Hosted by the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing (CISP) and anchored by the Canadian Red Cross, the event brought together over 450 healthcare providers, patients, students, researchers, community leaders, and policymakers to champion a more connected and resilient future for all.

Canada's healthcare system is under strain, with growing reports of loneliness, mental health challenges, and barriers to accessing services. Up to 41% of Canadians 50 years and older are at risk of social isolation and up to 58% have experienced loneliness - conditions that have been linked to increased mortality risks and negative mental health impacts¹. Moreover, nearly one in four Canadians aged 15 to 29 have reported feeling lonely, reflecting a concerning trend in mental health and wellbeing across the country².

Social prescribing, a holistic approach that connects individuals with local non-clinical support and community resources, is shown to improve health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and help to close critical gaps in care. By formalizing referral pathways between healthcare providers and community services, offering person-centred navigation support through a Social Prescribing Link Worker or Connector, and promoting cross-sector collaboration, social prescribing is a valuable and evidence-based tool for enhancing integrated care and advancing health equity.

“The energy and enthusiasm at the conference demonstrates the momentum around social prescribing. It highlights the importance and possibility of shifting our mindset and systems from disease treatment to health creation,” said Sonia Hsiung, Director of Community Health and Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing at the Canadian Red Cross. “We are proud to play a role in fostering these critical conversations, bringing together leaders across different sectors. We hope to continue to promote integrated systems of care, long-term health improvements and community wellbeing.”

Key discussions highlighted the importance of learning from Indigenous experiences and relational approaches to wellbeing, while also integrating social prescribing into care models. These conversations emphasized fostering trust and collaboration across sectors and leveraging innovative methods to address social determinants of health. Moreover, best practices were shared, showcasing real-world case studies to integrate social prescribing into health and community-based services. The cases, from reducing older adult frailty through activity and social connection to food prescriptions for people living with diabetes to connecting caregivers with support, demonstrate how social prescribing drives tangible improvements in health outcomes and reduces strain on health providers and healthcare systems. Presentations illustrated the transformative potential of reimagining traditional healthcare approaches and restoring a human-centred focus.

CISP is committed to continuing the momentum and championing social prescribing across Canada. We call on healthcare leaders, policymakers, community organizations, and our partners in the private and public sectors to invest in and endorse social prescribing as a tool and pathway to positive patient outcomes and healthier communities. Every dollar invested in social prescribing has the potential of returning $4.43 to society through improved wellbeing and reduced health care costs³. This is a vital opportunity to reimagine Canada's healthcare system and create communities where everyone can thrive.

For more information, please visit https://www.socialprescribing.ca/

Quotes

“Sometimes, the right prescription is not medication, it’s connection. Especially when supported by a primary care team, social prescribing can help doctors be their best in caring for patients.”

— Dr. Dominik Nowak, President, Ontario Medical Association

“Social prescribing empowers communities by recognizing the role of social connections and community resources in maintaining health and wellbeing. We are excited to collaborate with CISP and other partners to build a more inclusive health ecosystem that addresses not just the symptoms, but the root causes of health issues.”

— Kahir Lalji, Provincial Director, Government Relations and Community Engagement, United Way British Columbia

“As a public health physician, my work involves addressing the overall health and wellbeing of older adults. Social prescribing connects individuals to community resources that improve their quality of life, reduce isolation, and enhance their health outcomes. This approach is especially important for our aging population, and it has the potential to reduce strain on our healthcare system while supporting seniors in living healthier, more fulfilling lives.”

— Dr. Michael Routledge, Medical Advisor, Manitoba Association of Senior Communities

In England, we have seen firsthand the benefits of making social prescribing available to all patients via their family doctor’s practice, with 3 million people referred to community services and support since then. The conference in Canada is a significant step forward for the global social prescribing movement, and I am really excited for the international community to learn from Canada’s equity-focused and community-driven approach.

— Charlotte Osborn-Forde, Chief Executive Officer, National Academy for Social Prescribing, England

"Social prescribing represents a transformative shift in how we approach healthcare in Canada. By connecting individuals with social supports and community services, we can help address the root causes of health inequities and improve overall wellbeing. This conversation is a critical step toward building a healthcare system that truly serves all Canadians."

— Tanya Elliott, Chief of Health, Canadian Red Cross

“I am thrilled to see such strong support for social prescribing at our inaugural conference. Bringing together a diverse group of community leaders, healthcare professionals, and international partners highlights the growing recognition of social prescribing as a vital approach to improving health and wellbeing in Canada.

— Dr. Kate Mulligan, Scientific Director, CISP, Canadian Red Cross

About The Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing (CISP)

The Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing (CISP) is a national collaboration hub, anchored by the Canadian Red Cross, dedicated to fostering, sharing, and celebrating practices that connect people with healthcare, social services, and community support to enhance health and wellbeing. CISP brings together a diverse network of Canadian and international community sector partners, health practitioners, researchers, academics, funders, and others to share learnings, mobilize knowledge, build evidence, and influence policy. Through social prescribing, CISP’s vision is to empower individuals and communities to lead their health and wellbeing, bridge connections across health and social sectors, and collectively build more resilient and connected communities.

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¹https://www.niageing.ca/loneliness23
²https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/230920/dq230920a-eng.htm
³https://www.socialprescribing.ca/a-healthier-canada