International Social Prescribing Collaborative: Highlights from the 3 September Meeting

On 3 September 2025, the International Social Prescribing Collaborative – organised by the National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) – held its six-weekly network meeting, bringing together members from across the globe to discuss developments in arts and social prescribing, referral pathways, and innovative programmes.

The meeting welcomed new members and featured updates from multiple regions, underlining the truly international nature of the collaborative.

Arts on Prescription: New Guide Launched

One highlight of the session was the presentation by Stine Eskesen Keiding (Programme manager, Cultural Region Funen), who introduced the newly launched Arts on Prescription Guide to the network. She shared insights from ongoing programmes in the Baltic Sea Region, where participants of tested AoP pilot programme reported improvements in mental well-being. For example:

• Over 60% of participants reported low mental well-being at the start of the programme, dropping to 41.8% by its end.
• Levels of anxiety decreased, and many participants reported a stronger sense of confidence and resilience.

These outcomes demonstrate the growing evidence base for arts-based interventions in supporting public health and well-being.

Key Discussions

Alongside the Guide launch, members engaged in discussions on:

• Referral pathways in the Baltic countries, where psychologists or recruiters from the social sectors are more commonly involved than GPs, raising questions about the best entry points for social prescribing.
• The “Walk with a doc” initiative, which began in the U.S. and has been successfully introduced in Malaysia, offering outdoor activity and social connection as a means to improve health and prevent loneliness.
• Challenges in engaging younger participants, and logistical barriers when organising activities in urban spaces.
• Global updates, including Scotland’s commitment to a national social prescribing framework and a forthcoming four nations discussion on the topic.

A Collaborative Spirit

The September meeting demonstrated strong engagement, with active contributions from members worldwide. Discussions reflected both challenges and opportunities, as well as a shared commitment to advancing social prescribing as a means to improve health and well-being through creativity, community, and connection.

The presentation on AoP was very well received, and several participants expressed interest in forming a dedicated subgroup to exchange knowledge and best practices related to AoP interventions.

The next meeting is scheduled for 15 October.

Join the NASP’s Social Prescribing Innovation Network: https://ow.ly/h3xc50WIfcG

Joining the network allows you to be part of the movement to create transformational activity across the social prescribing sector. It empowers those delivering social prescribing to connect, collaborate and overcome challenges.

Follow NASP on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-academy-for-social-prescribing/about/

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