A Message of Gratitude

As we approach the end of the year, our team is reflecting on the progress made to advance social prescribing across the country. The holidays serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of human connection, kindness, and compassion. As we delve into the winter season, let us embrace the spirit of giving – not only in material gifts but also in the gift of time, empathy, and shared experiences. Social prescribing, at its core, is about prescribing activities and connections that nourish the soul and contribute to a healthier, more vibrant community. We want to thank everyone working across sectors for your dedication to creating person-centred and inclusive pathways to well-being for your community. May you find rest and joy this season and a have a healthy and peaceful new year.

With Gratitude,

• A Message of Gratitude
• Save the Date! CISP Conference 2024
• Meet Our Participant Advisory Council
• Social Prescribing Initiatives Map
• Building the Student Movement
• CISP in the Community!
• Research & Publications
• Social Prescribing in the News
• Community of Practice
• Stay Connected with Us!
  

Save the Date!
In-Person Social Prescribing Conference 2024!

Join us in-person in Toronto from September 26 to 27, 2024, as we host Canada’s inaugural International Social Prescribing Conference, featuring social prescribing champions from Canada and abroad! We invite you to be part of this gathering as we explore the transformative power of connection and collectively propel this global movement toward holistic and equitable community health. Save the date on your calendar and stay tuned for additional information coming your way in early 2024! Conference details will be available here. We look forward to coming together with you for a shared learning experience!

Meet Our CISP Participant Advisory Council

The CISP Participant Advisory Council (PAC) members help to ensure our work is grounded in community leadership, equity, and collaboration. They contribute their insights and expertise as active participants in social prescribing initiatives or as individuals representing communities facing health disparities. Click here to learn more about our PAC members and what social prescribing means to them.

Social Prescribing Initiatives Map

Social prescribing is an emerging framework with an evolving definition. Recognizing the healthy and vibrant diversity of models, our interactive map specifically features initiatives that embody what CISP considers to be foundational principles of social prescribing.These pillars include:

• A supportive bridge between healthcare and non-clinical, community-based supports and services
• A person-centred approach where solutions are co-created based on what matters to clients
• Intentional follow-up and engagement with clients, health providers, and social and community service organizations
• Data collection and tracking

Click here to learn more about social prescribing initiatives across the country or to add your own social prescribing projects to the map.

Building the Student Movement

The Canadian Social Prescribing Student Collective (CSPSC) is on a mission to build the social prescribing student movement across Canada! Celebrating their first anniversary this year, CSPSC released their inaugural strategic report, titled  ‘Building the Student Movement’ in the fall. The report highlights the impressive efforts of students in advancing the social prescribing movement, including hosting a conference, multiple webinars, and the establishment of various student chapters and working groups on campuses nationwide.

CISP in the Community!

A research team led by CISP Senior Director, Dr. Kate Mulligan, embarked on a journey across Canada to explore exemplary social prescribing practices. In Alberta, they participated in the Healthy Aging Alberta Summit, a gathering of leading scholars and practitioners discussing the future of aging in the province.One highlight during their visit was a stop in Carya Calgary, an enchanting space hosting various programs, including social prescribing. During the week, the team met with experts from Alberta Health Services, ventured to the rural town of Vulcan, Alberta, and witnessed firsthand how the power of community propels the development of social prescribing initiatives.

Transitioning to British Columbia, the team connected with leaders in the field, including experts from Nanaimo Division of Family Practice and United Way Lower Mainland. The team’s visit to S.U.C.C.E.S.S in Vancouver showcased social prescribing in action, complete with a special performance by a local Cantonese Opera group. The team was delighted to meet student leaders at the Canadian Social Prescribing Student Collective’s inaugural in-person event, "Meet, Eat & Greet!"

Concluding with a noteworthy event hosted by United Way Lower Mainland, community connectors from across the province gathered to discuss the pivotal role of co-production in social prescribing. We extend our sincere appreciation to the exceptional Canadian partners who graciously shared their outstanding work and experiences with the team!

Research & Publications

• Building the economic case for social prescribing. Dr Marie Polley et al., NASP Evidence Brief, October 2023
• Supporting the voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise sector to evaluation social prescribing. Dr Marie Polley et al., NASP Evidence Brief, September 2023.
  

Social Prescribing in the News

• Healthcare professionals can now prescribe visits to the Toronto Zoo. CTV News, September 2023.
• This Ontario hospital network is prescribing housing to patients - and building homes on its property. Maclean's. October 2023.

Community of Practice

The Canadian Social Prescribing Community of Practice is a collaborative, interdisciplinary collective of people in discussion about how to implement and/or embed social prescribing in health and social systems. It's a place where people who implement social prescribing initiatives or advocate for the social prescribing movement, can convene, connect and learn from each other.With cross-sectoral members from the arts, health care promotion, academia, and other sectors, this Community of Practice is co-hosted by the Alliance for Healthier Communities, the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing, United Way British Columbia, and the Older Adult Centres Association of Ontario.

Quarterly meetings are recorded and held at 9:30 a.m. PST/12:30 p.m. EST on the second Tuesday of the month in January, April, July and October. Summary notes are provided after each meeting to all members of the CoP. Please email communications@allianceon.org for more info on how to join.

Stay Connected With Us! 

Follow us on LinkedIn and X where we share information, engage with others and collaborate on research, news and trends pertaining to social prescribing!