Global Social Prescribing Alliance
Global Social Prescribing Alliance (GSPA)
The current healthcare system focuses on treating illness rather than preventing it. GSPA promotes a broader approach,
recognizing that wellbeing extends beyond medicine.
Our Core Aims
- Global Community of Practice: Connect and support members to share learning and strengthen impact.
- Spread & Adoption of Social Prescribing: Promote integration of social prescribing in health systems worldwide.
- International Evidence Collaborative: Co-ordinate global evidence to inform best practice and policy.
Vision & Mission
- Vision: Thriving communities driving a social revolution in health and wellbeing.
- Mission: Advance social prescribing globally through collaboration, innovation, and advocacy, aligned with UN SDG 3 (Good Health & Wellbeing).
Key Principles
1️⃣ Redefining Health & Wellbeing – Prioritizing sustainable, high-value healthcare.
2️⃣ Clinical Leadership – Building a network of global healthcare champions.
3️⃣ Community Development – Partnering with governments & institutions for impactful solutions.
4️⃣ Building Blocks – Arts, Nature, Exercise, Knowledge for holistic health.
5️⃣ Workforce Solutions – Tackling healthcare workforce shortages while creating meaningful jobs.
6️⃣ Digital Innovation – Empowering patients through technology and goal-oriented care.
Our Impact
- Launched in 2021 by the UK Secretary of State for Health.
- Global playbook, training, and knowledge-sharing across 30+ countries - Norway launches National Social Prescribing Group
- Social Prescribing and the Evidence.
How We Support Change
✔ Hosting global events, webinars, and roundtables
✔ Expert advice on social prescribing & health innovation
✔ Training and development programs
✔ Consultancy and investment opportunities in health initiatives
Email: james@whis.world or gareth@whis.world
💡 "The Global Social Prescribing Alliance is creating a sustainable health model, improving wellbeing while generating meaningful jobs at scale."
— Gareth Presch, CEO, GSPA
Global Social Prescribing Alliance (GSPA) - 2025 Social Prescribing Impact Award Nomination Form
The Global Social Prescribing Alliance (GSPA) is proud to recognize exceptional contributions
to the global advancement, implementation, and integration of social prescribing.
At the GSPA, we are committed to championing social prescribing initiatives that promote health equity, person-centered care, and multi-sectoral collaboration. We believe in the power of communities to lead transformation, and we honor the individuals and organizations making this a reality.
These awards celebrate those driving meaningful change in health and wellbeing through innovative, inclusive, and evidence-informed social prescribing practices. By showcasing these achievements, we aim to inspire continued progress, shared learning, and global cooperation to build healthier, more resilient, and connected communities.
Award recipients will be announced during the 2026 GSPA Summit (online).
Nomination Information: 2025 Global Social Prescribing Impact Awards
Deadline to submit nominations: April 1st 2026
Award Category
- Global Social Prescribing Innovation Award 2025
- Global Social Prescribing Connector Award 2025
- Global Social Prescribing Researcher/Research Team Award 2025
- Global Student Champion Award 2025
- Global Social Prescribing Change maker Award 2025
What we’re looking for:
Nominees should demonstrate measurable impact, innovation, collaboration, leadership, and a commitment to equity
and inclusion in social prescribing initiatives.
Commercial partnerships and sponsorships contact: gareth@whis.world
As a membership organisation, the Global Social Prescribing Alliance (GSPA) brings global communities together to transform healthcare through social prescribing and create inclusive economic opportunities that leave no one behind.
Join the Global Social Prescribing Alliance WhatsApp Group!
Background
In 2021, the UK Secretary of State for Health and Social Care launched the Global Social Prescribing Alliance (GSPA). The Alliance was established to champion a global shift toward prevention-focused, person-centered healthcare.
Rooted in the belief that wellbeing is shaped by far more than clinical interventions, the GSPA brings together health leaders, policymakers, academics, and community organizations to scale social prescribing internationally.
Presentation
Join us as we build the future of healthcare.
Global Social Prescribing Directory – Submission Form
Submit your organization or program details for inclusion in the Global Social Prescribing Directory.
Social Prescribing Day 2026!
We are delighted to announce that Social Prescribing Day 2026 will take place on Thursday, 26th March 2026!
Since its launch in 2019, Social Prescribing Day has grown into a global movement — an annual celebration dedicated to raising awareness of social prescribing, sharing the growing evidence behind its impact, and recognising the incredible people and communities who make it happen.
Social Prescribing Day is an opportunity for organisations, professionals, community groups, and citizens around the world to:
Share ideas
Showcase innovation
Highlight the evidence and impact
Celebrate the link workers, volunteers, and community partners who change lives every day
As we look ahead to 2026, we invite you to join us in amplifying the message: community is medicine, and together we can build healthier, more connected societies.
Whether you're planning a local event, hosting a webinar, releasing new research, or shining a spotlight on inspiring stories, Social Prescribing Day is your platform to share and celebrate.
Save the Date: 26th March 2026
Register your event or activity here.
Stay tuned for more updates — including global partners, featured activities, and resources to help you participate.
Let’s make Social Prescribing Day 2026 our most impactful celebration yet!
Careers in Social Prescribing & Community Health
Looking to make a difference in community health and wellbeing? Social prescribing is growing worldwide, offering rewarding roles from Link Workers to research, policy, and program leadership positions.
Explore Opportunities:
- UK: Thousands of social prescribing roles are listed on NHS Jobs.
- International: Check opportunities through our partner networks, global healthcare organizations, and community health initiatives.
For Health Organizations and Trusts:
GSPA can help attract the right talent for your social prescribing and community health programs. We connect you with professionals passionate about wellbeing and can support recruitment through our global network and events.
📣 Partner with GSPA to Reach Top Talent
Get updates, insights, and the chance to feature your roles to our global audience.Looking to make a difference in community health and wellbeing? Social prescribing is growing worldwide, offering rewarding roles from Link Workers to policy, research, and program leadership positions.
📧 Get in touch: info@whis.world
TEAM
Chair GSPA James Sanderson
Chair GSPA James Sanderson
Chair GSPA James Sanderson
Chair GSPA James Sanderson
Current CEO, Sue Ryder (UK)
Previously, James was National Director of Community Health Services, Personalised Care, and Palliative and End of Life Care at NHS England, leading efforts to deliver tailored healthcare services that meet patients’ individual needs and preferences.
With previous roles including foundi
Chair GSPA James Sanderson
Current CEO, Sue Ryder (UK)
Previously, James was National Director of Community Health Services, Personalised Care, and Palliative and End of Life Care at NHS England, leading efforts to deliver tailored healthcare services that meet patients’ individual needs and preferences.
With previous roles including founding CEO of the National Academy for Social Prescribing and CEO of the Independent Living Fund, James is recognised for his commitment to transforming health and care systems, fostering collaboration across different sectors, and driving forward initiatives that improve quality of care. His efforts are aimed at creating a more compassionate, responsive, and efficient healthcare system that can adapt to the evolving needs of the population.
Contact: james@whis.world
Gareth Presch, CEO GSPA
Chair GSPA James Sanderson
Chair GSPA James Sanderson
Gareth Presch is an international health systems expert and visionary leader with over 25 years of experience in healthcare innovation, strategy, and policy. He is the Founder and CEO of the World Health Innovation Summit (WHIS) and serves as CEO of the Global Social Prescribing Alliance (GSPA), advancing preventative, people-centred care
Gareth Presch is an international health systems expert and visionary leader with over 25 years of experience in healthcare innovation, strategy, and policy. He is the Founder and CEO of the World Health Innovation Summit (WHIS) and serves as CEO of the Global Social Prescribing Alliance (GSPA), advancing preventative, people-centred care worldwide.
He was previously Chief Officer of Ireland’s National Haemophilia Council and served as an advisor to Pope Francis’s Vatican COVID-19 Commission (Group 2), focused on global solidarity, health equity, and care beyond the pandemic.
A former Leadership Fellow at St George’s House, Windsor Castle, Gareth is dedicated to building sustainable health ecosystems through collaboration, innovation, and inclusive growth.
Contact: gareth@whis.world
"Your Guide to the Types of Social Prescribing"
Social Prescribing is a holistic approach connecting people to non-clinical community services—“prescribing a life, not just medicine.” Types of social prescribing include:
🌱 Green – Nature-based activities for mental & physical wellbeing (e.g., community gardening, nature walks, forest bathing).
🌊 Blue – Water-based activities for health benefits (e.g., wild swimming, coastal walks, river mindfulness).
🎨 Arts & Culture – Creative engagement to support emotional health (e.g., art classes, music therapy, theatre, museum visits).
🧘 Physical Activity – Tailored movement and exercise (e.g., walking groups, yoga, swimming, dance).
🤝 Social & Community – Reducing isolation through connections (e.g., friendship clubs, volunteering, peer support).
🧠 Mental Health & Wellbeing – Non-clinical mental health support (e.g., mindfulness, meditation, resilience workshops).
💼 Work & Skills – Building confidence, skills, and purpose (e.g., job clubs, mentoring, skills workshops).
🏘️ Practical Support – Assistance with daily challenges affecting health (e.g., housing, debt advice, food banks).
Some of our partners
