Global Social Prescribing Alliance
Global Social Prescribing Alliance (GSPA)
The current healthcare system focuses on sick care, treating illness rather than preventing it. The Global Social Prescribing Alliance (GSPA) promotes a broader approach—recognizing that wellbeing extends beyond medicine.
The Global Social Prescribing Alliance affirms three core aims:
- Fostering a Global Community of Practice – Connecting and supporting members to strengthen their work and share learning.
- Advancing the Spread and Adoption of Social Prescribing – Promoting the integration and effective implementation of social prescribing in health systems worldwide.
- Championing the International Evidence Collaborative – Driving the generation, coordination, and sharing of global evidence to inform best practice and policy.
Our Vision & Mission
Vision: Thriving communities driving a social revolution in health and wellbeing.
Mission: Advancing social prescribing globally through collaboration, innovation, and advocacy, aligned with UN SDG 3 (Good Health & Wellbeing).
Key Principles
1️⃣ Redefining Health & Wellbeing – Shaping a universal narrative that prioritizes sustainable, high-value healthcare.
2️⃣ Clinical Leadership – Building a global network of healthcare champions to drive change.
3️⃣ Community Development – Partnering with financial institutions & governments to invest in impactful health solutions.
4️⃣ Building Blocks of Social Prescribing – Focusing on Arts, Nature, Exercise, and Knowledge for holistic health.
5️⃣ Workforce Solutions – Addressing the global healthcare workforce shortfall while creating meaningful jobs.
6️⃣ Digital Innovation – Empowering patients through technology, shared decision-making, and goal-oriented care.
Our Impact
- Launched in 2021 by the UK Secretary of State for Health.
- Global Playbook for social prescribing, training, and international knowledge-sharing.
- 30+ countries represented.
How We Support Change
✔ Hosting global events, roundtables & webinars.
✔ Providing expert advice on social prescribing & health innovation.
✔ Delivering training & development programs.
✔ Offering consultancy & investment opportunities in health initiatives.
💡 GSPA 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: December 4, 2025
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
Sponsorships: gareth@whis.world
Membership PackagesMembers support the network by investing in its growth and impact, gaining access to valuable connections and resources.
Free Public Sector & Charitable Organisations Tier
(For charities and public bodies of any size)
£0 per year
✅ Benefits:
- Access to GSPA online community updates and newsletters
- Invitations to selected GSPA events (online only)
- Opportunity to contribute case studies or updates for inclusion in community communications (non-priority)
- Access to a limited number of on-demand health innovation resources and tools
- Eligibility to apply for speaking or participation in future events (not guaranteed)
- Recognition as a GSPA Supporter on the website
❌ Not Included:
- Guaranteed online speaking slots
- Participation in national publications or policy roundtables
- Priority access to policy briefings or showcases
For larger public sector and charitable organisations (with annual budgets over £1 million), we recommend our Gold Membership (£750/year) to fully benefit from enhanced engagement and visibility opportunities.
Gold Members receive:
- Guaranteed online speaking slots
- Participation in national publications and policy roundtables
- Priority access to briefings and case study showcases
- All the benefits of our free tier, plus exclusive access to influential networks shaping the future of health and wellbeing.
- If your organisation is not yet ready for Gold Membership, we still welcome your involvement through our Free Tier, offering access to core resources and community updates.
Join us for the Global Social Prescribing Summit 2025!
Email: gareth@whis.world for more details.
Global Social Prescribing Alliance
Training & Development Roadmap for Link Workers
Empowering the Global Social Prescribing Workforce
Empowering the Global Social Prescribing Workforce
Launch of the Link Worker Training & Development Roadmap
Link workers are central to the social prescribing movement, supporting individuals to improve their health and wellbeing.
Yet many face barriers to training and professional development.
A recent UK survey highlights the need:
36% unaware of available training
41% have no access to a training budget
70% want to grow their skills and confidence
Introducing the GSPA Roadmap
In response, the Global Social Prescribing Alliance (GSPA), in collaboration with WHIS and global academic partners,
is proud to launch the Training & Development Roadmap for Link Workers.
This living framework supports link workers at all stages:
Landscape - a baseline foundation understanding of the SP ecosystem
Practice - equipping those with skills to deliver programmes
Advanced - CPD and enhanced
System - Leadership and transformation
Five Core Skill Categories
Practical Knowledge – Digital skills, documentation, time management
Working with People – Communication, empathy, trauma-informed practice
Cross-Sector Collaboration – System navigation, referrals, partnerships
Health & Wellbeing Support – Equity, prevention, holistic approaches
Professional & Personal Wellbeing – Resilience, reflection, boundaries
“Link workers are the frontline of care transformation. This roadmap is a statement of intent,
we’re building a confident, skilled, and globally connected workforce.”
— Gareth Presch, CEO, Global Social Prescribing Alliance
Summary: Link Worker Education & Career Progression
Flexible Learning Options – Acknowledging diverse educational backgrounds and pathways
Career Progression & Real-World Learning – From Level 3 to MSc and PhD opportunities
Access to Funding & Support – Apprenticeship levy, loans, sponsorships, and grants
Lifelong Learning & CPD – Ongoing skills development across core themes
Global Interest & Collaboration – Strong demand from partners across the world
Strategic Opportunity – Aligning link worker development with system-wide transformation
Let’s Work Together
Whether you’re a link worker, employer, commissioner, academic or community partner, we want to collaborate!
💡 Feedback? Questions? Want to get involved?
📧 Email us: info@whis.world
Building a stronger, more connected workforce—together.
We welcome collaboration through formal learning opportunities while ensuring our resources are protected and used ethically.
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.
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.
Global Social Prescribing Alliance (GSPA)
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.
Our Philosophy
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.
Mission
Empower people to take control of their own health and wellbeing through social prescribing.
Vision
To deliver health and wellbeing for all through integrated, community-led solutions.
PROBLEM
Most healthcare systems today remain focused on treating illness rather than preventing it. This reactive “sick-care” approach often neglects the wider social, emotional, and environmental factors that influence health.
The COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep-rooted health inequalities (related to gender, race, disability, and socioeconomic status), and highlighted the fragility of global health systems. Now, more than ever, there is a need for proactive, community-based approaches.
SOLUTION
GSPA is a global platform that connects patients, clinicians, community organisations, educators, policymakers, and the private sector to
implement social prescribing as a model for prevention, self-care, and holistic wellbeing.
By shifting the focus from illness to wellness, the Global Social Prescribing Alliance empowers people at every
stage of life — from childhood to old age — to manage their own physical, mental, and social health.
We are changing the way people think about their health by:
- Enabling personalised care through community connections.
- Providing access to non-clinical support (e.g., arts, culture, nature, volunteering, physical activity).
- Building sustainable ecosystems that reduce pressure on overstretched healthcare services.
We support people and communities to co-design local solutions that improve health and wellbeing while addressing the wider determinants of health.
#GSPA
Members support the network by investing in its growth and impact, gaining access to valuable connections and resources.
Free Public Sector & Charitable Organisations Tier
(For charities and public bodies of any size)
£0 per year
✅ Benefits:
- Access to GSPA online community updates and newsletters
- Invitations to selected GSPA events (online only)
- Opportunity to contribute case studies or updates for inclusion in community communications (non-priority)
- Access to a limited number of on-demand health innovation resources and tools
- Eligibility to apply for speaking or participation in future events (not guaranteed)
- Recognition as a GSPA Supporter on the website
❌ Not Included:
- Guaranteed online speaking slots
- Participation in national publications or policy roundtables
- Priority access to policy briefings or showcases
For larger public sector and charitable organisations (with annual budgets over £1 million), we recommend our Gold Membership (£750/year) to fully benefit from enhanced engagement and visibility opportunities.
Gold Members receive:
- Guaranteed online speaking slots
- Participation in national publications and policy roundtables
- Priority access to briefings and case study showcases
- All the benefits of our free tier, plus exclusive access to influential networks shaping the future of health and wellbeing.
- If your organisation is not yet ready for Gold Membership, we still welcome your involvement through our Free Tier, offering access to core resources and community updates.
- Access to intelligence resources (research, tools, best practices)
Commercial Engagement Policy – GSPA
To maintain transparency, trust, and the integrity of our mission, the Global Social Prescribing Alliance (GSPA) limits commercial collaborations, co-branded initiatives, and strategic partnerships to active GSPA members or recognised partners.
This policy ensures that all parties contributing to and benefiting from GSPA’s global work on social prescribing are aligned with our principles of equity, community empowerment, and shared value.
We welcome conversations with stakeholders across sectors who share our commitment to advancing social prescribing, but access to commercial engagement, innovation pilots, speaking opportunities, and international campaigns is reserved for members or official collaborators under formal agreement.
Also see the WHIS Funding Policy, as WHIS is the parent organisation of GSPA and governs all commercial and funding agreements related to GSPA activities.
For partnership enquiries, please contact info@whis.world or gareth@whis.world
Unlocking Industry Opportunities Through Social Prescribing
*Subject to availability and T&Cs
"Your Guide to the Types of Social Prescribing"
Social prescribing is a holistic approach to health and wellbeing that connects people to non-clinical services in their community. It's often referred to as a way of "prescribing a life, not just medicine." There are several types of social prescribing,
which can be grouped into categories based on the kind of activity or support offered:
🌱 1. Green Social Prescribing
- Involves nature-based activities to improve mental and physical wellbeing.
- Examples: Community gardening, nature walks, conservation volunteering, forest bathing.
🌊 2. Blue Social Prescribing
- Uses water-based environments and activities for health benefits.
- Examples: Wild swimming, coastal walks, water sports, river or lake-based mindfulness sessions.
🎨 3. Arts and Culture Social Prescribing
- Engages individuals in creative and cultural activities to support emotional health.
- Examples: Art classes, music therapy, dance, theatre groups, museum visits.
🧘 4. Physical Activity Prescribing
- Promotes movement and exercise tailored to ability and preference.
- Examples: Walking groups, yoga, swimming, dance classes, gym sessions.
🤝 5. Social and Community Prescribing
- Reduces isolation and builds connections through social groups and support networks.
- Examples: Friendship clubs, peer support groups, volunteering, befriending schemes.
🧠 6. Mental Health and Wellbeing Prescribing
- Directs individuals to mental health resources beyond clinical care.
- Examples: Mindfulness, meditation, resilience workshops, talking therapies.
💼 7. Work and Skills Prescribing
- Helps individuals build confidence, skills, and purpose through work-related activities.
- Examples: Job clubs, digital literacy training, skills workshops, mentoring programs.
🏘️ 8. Practical Support Prescribing
- Provides help with day-to-day challenges that affect health.
- Examples: Housing support, debt advice, food banks, benefits support.
Some of our partners
