“From Prescription Pads to Social Connection: Norway’s Pilot Social Prescribing Program”
Loneliness is a public health challenge on par with poor diet and physical inactivity. Around the world, governments are increasingly recognising the need to address this silent epidemic. Norway is leading the way with its national social prescribing initiative, connecting people experiencing loneliness with structured social activities in their communities.
One person benefiting from this approach is Arne-Christian Lund, who became blind following a brain infection 20 years ago. Despite engaging in physical activities like climbing and having supportive family, Arne-Christian still experiences the profound social isolation that comes with disability. Through Norway’s pilot social prescription program, he now meets weekly with Red Cross volunteers who help him engage in meaningful community activities.
“It works, and we reach people who wouldn’t normally attend voluntary activities,” says Roger Ekeberg Henriksen, Associate Professor at HVL and researcher on social prescribing.
Social prescriptions aim to strengthen social connectedness, improve wellbeing, and reduce the long-term health risks associated with loneliness. They represent a practical, scalable solution for health systems seeking to integrate community-based interventions into mainstream care.
The Norwegian pilot aligns perfectly with the mission of the Global Social Prescribing Alliance (GSPA) and the Norwegian Social Prescribing Group (NSPG Norway), providing a platform to innovate, research, and scale solutions that can transform lives.
Looking Ahead: As NSPG Norway progresses from its launch in September 2025 to the next phase of implementation, the focus is on expanding partnerships, testing innovative models, and ensuring that social prescriptions reach those who need them most. Initiatives like these show how health systems can move beyond clinical care to build resilient, socially connected communities.
We believe loneliness should never be ignored. Through collaboration, research, and innovative programs like social prescribing, we can help people like Arne-Christian live fuller, more connected lives.
Find out more: Hordaland Red Cross district of the Norwegian Red Cross
Original NRK article: https://www.nrk.no/vestland/proveprosjekt-mot-einsemd_-arne-christian-far-hjelp-til-sosial-omgang-pa-resept-1.17609036