Building the Global Movement for Social Prescribing
Social prescribing is gaining global recognition, and the need for coordination has never been clearer. Across the world, health systems are increasingly addressing non-medical drivers of health including loneliness, mental health, and social determinants of wellbeing. But while initiatives are spreading, they remain fragmented. Connecting these efforts is essential for scaling impact globally.
Social Prescribing at a Global Inflection Point
In January 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) and The Lancet launched a new Western Pacific series spotlighting social prescribing, highlighting its role in improving health outcomes and supporting whole-person care. The series underscores how community-based, non-clinical interventions are critical to modern health systems.
Globally, leadership is emerging. SingHealth Community Hospitals (SCH) in Singapore became the world’s first WHO Collaborating Centre for Social Prescribing in November 2024. Operating through its Office of Community Education & Engagement (OCEAN), SCH has implemented social prescribing since 2019, focusing on supporting patients’ transitions back into the community and addressing social determinants of health.
These developments reflect a critical inflection point: social prescribing is no longer experimental it is an evidence-backed, globally endorsed approach to improving population health.
GSPA: The Global Agency for Social Prescribing
The Global Social Prescribing Alliance (GSPA) is leading the effort to coordinate and scale social prescribing worldwide. Acting as the global agency for social prescribing, GSPA connects governments, health systems, funders, and community partners, providing the infrastructure to ensure initiatives are visible, interoperable, and impactful.
While social prescribing initiatives exist across more than 35 countries, they are often fragmented, making it difficult for policymakers, funders, and practitioners to share learning or replicate best practices. GSPA is addressing this challenge through its Global Directory the first comprehensive resource to map, connect, and share social prescribing programs worldwide. The directory is a central platform for learning, evidence, and policy guidance, enabling health systems and communities to adopt social prescribing with confidence.
“Social prescribing is no longer a national experiment — it is a global movement with the potential to transform how communities stay healthy and connected. At GSPA, we are committed to bringing together leaders, health systems, and communities worldwide, providing the platform, tools, and coordination needed to scale social prescribing with impact and integrity. The Global Directory and our 2026 events are just the beginning of creating a truly connected, global ecosystem for wellbeing.” — **Gareth Presch, CEO, Global Social Prescribing Alliance **
Global Partnerships and Collaboration
GSPA works closely with** international agencies** to highlight adoption, share best practices, and support countries in implementing social prescribing at scale. By providing a global stage for collaboration, GSPA amplifies initiatives, ensuring that innovative local and national programs are recognized, connected, and able to contribute to a truly global movement.
Through its convening role, GSPA is building a connected, scalable, and sustainable ecosystem for social prescribing one that allows countries and communities to learn from each other, reduce duplication, and accelerate the adoption of evidence-based, non-medical approaches to health and wellbeing.
A Call to Global Action
The momentum for social prescribing is real, and the opportunity is global. Health systems, governments, funders, and community organizations are invited to contribute to the Global Directory, share insights, and collaborate across borders. Together, we can ensure social prescribing scales with integrity, impact, and global coherence, creating healthier, more connected communities worldwide.
2026 is shaping up to be a milestone year for social prescribing. Social Prescribing Day will be celebrated on 26 March, highlighting the impact of community-based approaches worldwide. In February, Norway will showcase its national social prescribing progress as part of GSPA’s National Social Prescribing Group, demonstrating how countries are taking action on the global stage. Later in the year, GSPA will bring leaders from across the globe together for its annual ****Global Social Prescribing Event on 17 July 2026, fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and driving adoption at scale.
Social prescribing is no longer just a national initiative or experimental pilot it is a global movement. The Global Social Prescribing Alliance provides the infrastructure, partnerships, and platform to ensure that social prescribing reaches every community that can benefit, building a healthier world for all.