Social Prescribing Resources
Initiatives Map
Explore and contribute to this growing directory of programs and services across Canada that connect people to community-based supports for health and wellbeing.
Use the map to find local initiatives or submit your own.
Foundational Knowledge & Frameworks
Resources that explain what social prescribing is and provide general frameworks or overviews, including The Social Prescribing Pathway, Fact Sheets and Playbooks.
Evidence & Research
Resources that offer research, evaluation, and evidence syntheses on the impact and effectiveness of social prescribing.
Foundational Knowledge & Frameworks
Social Prescribing Pathway
This visual guide outlines the five key stages of a social prescribing experience, from identifying social needs to follow-up and evaluation. Developed by the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing (CISP), it is intended to support healthcare and community service providers, policymakers, and program designers in better understanding how social prescribing can be implemented and scaled. The pathway reflects common elements across models in Canada and emphasizes the importance of person-centred, holistic care.
This national report provides a comprehensive overview of social prescribing implementation across Canada, highlighting key initiatives, successes, and challenges in various regions. Developed by the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing (CISP), it is intended for policymakers, healthcare leaders, researchers, and anyone interested in how social prescribing is evolving in the Canadian context. The report underscores the importance of flexibility, equity, and collaboration in building sustainable, community-rooted models of care.
This series of concise, evidence-based fact sheets summarizes the impacts of social prescribing on different populations and social outcomes. Produced by the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing (CISP), they are designed for healthcare providers, researchers, policymakers, and the general public seeking accessible and shareable insights. The fact sheets highlight benefits ranging from improved youth mental health and support for aging in place to broader societal and economic impacts.
Population Health Series: Social Prescribing
Featured in the Ontario Hospital Association’s Population Health series, this article explores the value of social prescribing in advancing community and population health, with insights from Dr. Kate Mulligan. It is geared toward healthcare professionals, public health leaders, and hospital administrators interested in upstream approaches to care. The article illustrates how social prescribing can foster community connection, address social determinants, and improve long-term health outcomes.
Good Health & Wellbeing- Social Prescribing: Global Social Prescribing Alliance Playbook
This global playbook connects social prescribing efforts to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and offers a roadmap for implementation across different health systems. Developed by the Global Social Prescribing Alliance, it is intended for global policymakers, health planners, and advocates seeking to scale and adapt social prescribing internationally. The playbook shares best practices and case studies from around the world and emphasizes shared values like equity, access, and sustainability.
Global developments in social prescribing
This academic paper, published in BMJ Global Health, examines social prescribing initiatives in 17 countries using the World Health Organization’s ‘Beyond the Building Blocks’ framework. It is designed for researchers, global health practitioners, and policy analysts exploring how social prescribing is being integrated into different health system contexts. The paper highlights diverse strategies and common challenges, offering a comparative lens on global developments in the field.
Social Prescribing Needs of Older Adults in Canada
This baseline report explores the social prescribing needs and experiences of older adults across Canada, with an emphasis on equity, access, and individualized care. Produced by the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing (CISP) in collaboration with the GenWell Project, Canadian Alliance for Social Connection, and Simon Fraser University, it is designed for service providers, policymakers, and researchers working to enhance health and wellbeing for aging populations. The report identifies systemic barriers, positive perceptions of holistic care, and opportunities to strengthen social prescribing programs tailored to older adults.
Advancing Holistic Community Health
This report captures insights from CISP’s collaborative work between 2022 and 2024, including co-designed resources, research findings, and community-driven initiatives. Intended for community health practitioners, collaborators, and system leaders, it showcases how social prescribing can be embedded within broader efforts to advance holistic, community-based care. Developed by the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing (CISP), the report reflects a commitment to equity, lived experience, and partnership in building healthier communities.
Evidence & Research
This report explores the potential social and economic impacts of social prescribing in Canada and provides evidence of its value at scale. Commissioned by the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing and conducted by KPMG LLP, it offers policymakers, health leaders, and community advocates an analytical assessment of the return on investment that social prescribing can deliver. Building on both Canadian projects and international research, the report demonstrates how social prescribing can improve quality of life, reduce healthcare costs, and strengthen connections between people, communities, and health systems.
Social Prescribing: Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Psychosocial Community Referral Interventions in Primary Care
This systematic review examines the effectiveness of community-based social prescribing interventions delivered in primary care settings. It aims to assess how well psychosocial referrals improve patient outcomes and highlights gaps in current evidence, particularly around long-term impacts. This resource is useful for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers seeking a clearer picture of the evidence base for social prescribing. The review underscores the importance of further study to strengthen the field and inform sustainable models of care.
Evidence and Gap Map by The Campbell Collaboration
This interactive Evidence and Gap Map, produced by The Campbell Collaboration, compiles and categorizes systematic reviews and primary studies related to social prescribing interventions that support the health and wellbeing of older adults. Intended for researchers, program evaluators, and policymakers, it provides a high-level overview of existing evidence and identifies key areas where further study is needed. The tool helps inform decision-making by pinpointing both well-researched and underexplored areas within the field.
What is the evidence on the role of the arts in improving health and well-being? A scoping review
This scoping review from the World Health Organization synthesizes thousands of studies exploring how the arts contribute to health and wellbeing. Targeted at health professionals, cultural practitioners, and policy stakeholders, the report highlights the wide range of health outcomes associated with engagement in the arts—from mental health to social inclusion. It builds a compelling case for integrating arts-based interventions within social prescribing programs and public health strategies.
Current State of Social Prescribing in Canada
This summary report from Bridgeable provides an accessible snapshot of where social prescribing stands in Canada today. Designed for healthcare innovators, community organizations, and system leaders, the report outlines current practices, identifies emerging opportunities, and encourages stakeholders to consider their role in shaping the future of social prescribing. It invites reflection and action to strengthen the social prescribing ecosystem across the country.
Nature on Prescription Handbook
Produced by the European Centre for Environment and Human Health, this handbook reviews nature-based social prescribing interventions designed to support psychosocial health. Aimed at clinicians, community service providers, and public health professionals, the resource presents evidence-informed strategies for prescribing time in nature as a therapeutic intervention. It explores the growing body of research linking green space exposure with improved mental and physical wellbeing.
Social Prescribing Education and Training in Pharmacy to Advance Holistic Patient Care: An Environmental Scan
This environmental scan investigates how social prescribing is currently being integrated into pharmacy education across Canada. Conducted through interviews and desk research, the project identifies existing practices, gaps, and opportunities for advancing social prescribing within pharmacy curricula. It is intended for pharmacy educators, academic institutions, and professional organizations interested in strengthening pharmacists’ roles in holistic, person-centred care.
Training & Capacity Building
Social Prescribing Training Roadmap
This Training Roadmap offers a curated overview of resources to support the development of a strong social prescribing ecosystem, with a focus on person-centred care and self-management. It is designed for program designers, educators, healthcare providers, and community organizations looking to build capacity across social prescribing roles. Developed by the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing (CISP), the roadmap emphasizes training grounded in equity, cultural safety, and lived experience.
Social Prescribing (OpenWHO)
This free online course introduces the foundations of social prescribing and practical steps for implementation at the community level. Hosted on the OpenWHO platform, it is accessible to healthcare professionals, community workers, policymakers, and students around the world. Developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), the course offers a global perspective on how social prescribing can strengthen primary care and promote holistic health.
Building Momentum Together:
Social Prescribing for Caregivers in Alberta
This one-page snapshot highlights insights from a June 2025 site visit to Alberta, where CISP engaged with partners advancing social prescribing for caregivers across 13 communities. Designed for collaborators, community health leaders, and caregiver support advocates, the resource showcases emerging practices and the value of cross-sector relationship-building. Developed by the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing (CISP), it captures momentum and shared learning in this growing area of focus.
Social Prescribing Education and Training in Pharmacy to Advance Holistic Patient Care: An Environmental Scan
This environmental scan explores how social prescribing is being integrated into pharmacy education in Canada, identifying current practices, gaps, and opportunities. Based on interviews and desk research, it is intended for pharmacy educators, regulators, and professional associations interested in advancing pharmacists’ roles in holistic, person-centred care. Developed by Pharmacist Clinician Tarek Hussein and Dr. Nicole D'souza, PhD, the report contributes to a growing conversation about embedding social prescribing in health professions education.
United Way British Columbia's Social Prescribing Onboarding Orientation Package
This orientation package is designed to support Executive Directors, Hiring Managers, and Supervisors working with Community Connectors (CCs) in social prescribing programs. Originally developed for United Way BC’s Healthy Aging initiatives, the resource provides foundational knowledge, onboarding tools, and supervision guidance that are adaptable across a wide range of social prescribing models. Produced by United Way British Columbia, the package supports effective workforce development and consistency in practice across sectors.
This practical toolkit equips caregiver organizations and professionals with messaging strategies, guidance, and templates to effectively communicate the value of social prescribing. It includes tailored talking points for different audiences, ideas for partnership development, and resources to integrate social prescribing into caregiver referral pathways. Developed by the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing (CISP), the toolkit supports stronger alignment between caregiver support systems and holistic models of care.
A toolkit on how to implement
social prescribing (WHO)
This implementation toolkit from the World Health Organization offers a step-by-step guide for introducing and scaling up social prescribing at the community level. Featuring adaptable tools, sample materials, and case studies from various countries, the resource is designed for governments, healthcare providers, community organizations, and policy implementers. Produced by the World Health Organization, the toolkit provides global guidance rooted in practical, real-world examples.
Volunteering for Wellbeing Guide: how to link to social prescribing
This guide supports volunteer-based organizations in aligning their work with social prescribing initiatives, with a particular focus on ensuring the wellbeing of individuals who volunteer as part of their social prescription. It provides practical strategies to better engage, support, and retain volunteers within the context of community wellbeing. Developed by the National Academy for Social Prescribing (UK), the resource is especially useful for organizations looking to integrate volunteerism into holistic models of care.
Arts on Prescription: A Field Guide for US Communities
This field guide provides a roadmap for integrating arts, culture, and nature-based activities into local health and social care systems. Designed for community leaders, health professionals, and cultural organizations in the U.S., it outlines how to create, fund, and sustain arts on prescription programs. Produced by the University of Florida Center for Arts in Medicine and collaborators, the guide draws on lessons from international models to inform U.S.-based efforts.
Social Prescribing: A Resource for Health Professionals
Tailored for family physicians and other clinical providers, this practical guide offers tips, talking points, and implementation strategies for embedding social prescribing into everyday practice—regardless of the care model. It draws on the most current evidence and will be regularly updated to reflect evolving best practices in the field. Produced in by the Canadian Institute for Social Prescribing (CISP) in collaboration with the Centre for Effective Practice, this resource serves as a go-to reference for clinicians committed to addressing social determinants of health.
