Advancing social prescribing's transformative potential for a more connected future.
Canada’s Social Prescribing Conference brought together community organizations, health system leaders, researchers, students, funders, and lived experience advocates from Canada and around the world.
With expert plenary panels, curated presentations and workshops, research posters, and dedicated networking sessions, the event aimed to raise awareness, share knowledge, foster cross-sector collaboration, and build momentum for more human-centered and interconnected future through social prescribing.
460+
Attendees from academia, community organizations, healthcare systems and institutions
70+
Speakers and presenters across 19 informative sessions
"Sometimes the right prescription is connection."
Dr. Dominik Nowak, President, Ontario Medical Association
Plenaries, Presentations & Workshops
19 informative sessions exploring social prescribing’s implementation, evidence and impact to enhance social health equity and community wellbeing across diverse geographies and populations.
Plenaries
Embracing Indigenous Wisdom on Holistic Wellbeing: The conference was anchored by three powerful plenaries that guided participants from the foundational principles of social prescribing to a shared vision for the future. Elder Dr. Albert Marshall opened with compelling teachings on Two-Eyed Seeing (Etuaptmumk), sharing the power of integrating Indigenous and Western knowledge systems to foster collaborative, sustainable solutions.
Global Perspectives on Social Prescribing: This plenary highlighted international models, from the UK’s formalized health system approach to Brazil’s community health worker model, demonstrating the impact of community leadership, cross-sector collaboration, and sustainable funding.
Social Prescribing and the Future of Health & Community in Canada: The final plenary envisioned an integrated health and community care system in Canada, with panelists emphasizing the importance of addressing social determinants of health through strong partnerships. As moderator Jodeme Goldhar put it, "Connection is the Correction."
Opening Plenary Embracing Indigenous Wisdom on Holistic Wellbeing
Plenary Panel
Global Perspectives on Social Prescribing
Plenary Panel
Social Prescribing and the Future of Health & Community in Canada
90%
Of attendees surveyed shared that “The conference increased my understanding of social prescribing within the Canadian context”
92%
Of conference attendees surveyed agreed that “Social prescribing would be valuable to my role and practice”
“We see the power of human connection and the importance of mobilizing communities. Social prescribing is a testament to this—demonstrating that health is enriched by the bonds we form and the support we share.”
Conrad Sauvé, President and CEO, Canadian Red Cross
Expressions of Community
Our conference brought together vibrant displays and interactive experiences that highlighted the importance of connection, creativity, and collaboration in social prescribing.
Waterfront Neighbourhood Centre
Attendees enjoyed performances led by older adults, reflecting the joy of movement and the strength of community.
Networking Breakfast
Formal and informal networking opportunities abounded throughout the conference, enabling a vibrant exchange of ideas, opportunities, challenges and best practices.
SEED for Seniors Photography Exhibit
Supported by the St. James Town Residents Council, “Connecting People to Connected Communities” displayed meaningful places and spaces as captured by older adults in St. James Town area of Toronto.
Conference Activation: What prescriptions are most important to you?
An interactive social prescribing installation provided attendees a chance to reflect on what inspires their commitment to social prescribing and share insights on the most impactful social prescriptions.
Graphic Recorder
Our graphic recorder captured the key themes, ideas, and conversations from our plenaries, visually bringing to life the insights and discussions that unfolded throughout the conference.
Social Prescribing Impact Awards 2024
The Social Prescribing Impact Awards were established in 2024 and presented at Canada’s Social Prescribing Conference to honor and recognize outstanding contributions to the adoption, implementation, and advancement of social prescribing in Canada.
Building Community, Equity, and Sustainable Impact
Throughout the conference, a wealth of lessons emerged around the core components driving effective social prescribing initiatives. These insights collectively shaped important takeaways for improving health, social, and community care across Canada and beyond.
Building Connections & Partnerships
Local, regional, national, and international networking and partnerships are critical in driving social prescribing forward. Strengthening these connections fosters collaboration, builds trust, and enhances practices, amplifying the collective impact of social prescribing initiatives. By forming strong partnerships, social prescribing efforts can better meet community needs and scale successfully.
Centering
Equity
Equity lies at the heart of social prescribing principles and practices. Many initiatives focus on addressing the structural determinants of health—such as food security, housing, and income—while ensuring that both social and medical care are valued equally. This holistic, inclusive approach meets the diverse needs of communities and contributes to reducing health disparities.
Co-Creating with People & Communities
Involving clients, patients, caregivers, and their networks in the design and delivery of services ensures social prescribing initiatives are truly responsive to the needs and preferences of the communities they serve. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of ownership and agency, empowering clients to actively shape their care while driving more personalized, accessible, relevant, and effective outcomes.
Advancing Whole-Person, Preventative Healthcare
Embedding community-led social prescribing within primary care and other clinical settings supports a proactive approach to healthcare. By emphasizing health promotion and early intervention, social prescribing shifts the focus from reactive to preventative care, strengthening long-term individual and population health.
Shifting Policy & Investments
Aligning policies and committing to sustained financial support from federal, provincial, and local governments is crucial in systematizing social prescribing initiatives. Such support will help alleviate health system strain, improve equitable access to services, and create lasting, systemic change in health and social care.
Graphic Recordings
Conference Posters
Posters shared research findings, community initiatives, and innovative models that can contribute to advancing the adoption of social prescribing in Canada.
Attendees had the opportunity to engage with poster presenters, learning about innovative programs supporting mental health, community wellbeing, and integrated care. These posters offered a closer look at the incredible work being done to bridge health and social care for communities nationwide.
Conference Gallery
Click the button on the right to access the conference gallery.
Password: t4kkvHoE2y (required to view the gallery)
Download Pin: 5652 (use to download and save images)
Sponsors
CISP is an intersectoral collaboration initiative of the Canadian Red Cross.
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