Global Social Prescribing Alliance
Global Social Prescribing Alliance (GSPA)
Transforming Health Beyond Medicine
GSPA promotes a broader approach to healthcare, focusing on wellbeing, prevention, and community-driven solutions.
Our Core Aims
- Global Community of Practice: Connect members to share learning and strengthen impact.
- Spread & Adoption: Integrate social prescribing into health systems worldwide.
- International Evidence Collaborative: Coordinate 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 – Sustainable, high-value healthcare.
2️⃣ Clinical Leadership – Global network of healthcare champions.
3️⃣ Community Development – Partnering for impactful solutions.
4️⃣ Building Blocks – Arts, Nature, Exercise, Knowledge.
5️⃣ Workforce Solutions – Address workforce shortages, create meaningful jobs.
6️⃣ Digital Innovation – Empower 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.
- Global Social Prescribing Alliance Student Movement Playbook 2026 - Students, young professionals, and future leaders — this is your chance to get involved, learn, and make an impact globally - sign up.
- Supporting national initiatives, e.g., Norway’s National Social Prescribing Group.
GSPA Policy Paper: “Artificial Intelligence in Digital Health and Social Prescribing” (2026).
GSPA Policy Paper: "Global Social Prescribing Workforce Development & Opportunities" (2026)
Request a copy - info@whis.world
How We Support Change
✔ Global events, webinars, and roundtables
✔ Expert advice on social prescribing & health innovation
✔ Training and development programs
✔ Consultancy and investment opportunities
📧 james@whis.world | 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
"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).
Purpose: Celebrate individuals and organizations driving health equity, innovation, and community-led social prescribing initiatives worldwide.
Award Categories
- Innovation Award
- Connector Award
- Researcher/Research Team Award
- Student Champion Award
- Change Maker Award
Nomination Details
- Deadline: April 1, 2026
- Announcement: 2026 GSPA Summit (online)
- Criteria: Measurable impact, innovation, collaboration, leadership, equity & inclusion
Contact for partnerships/sponsorships: gareth@whis.world
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.
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.
Join the Global Social Prescribing Student Movement - Student Framework!
Become part of a worldwide network of students and future healthcare professionals driving change in health and wellbeing.
Learn about social prescribing, connect with peers and mentors, and help build healthier, stronger communities.
📧 Sign up now
🌐 Learn more - Presentation - Global Social Prescribing Alliance Student Framework
Join the Global Social Prescribing Alliance WhatsApp Group!
GSPA - Social Prescribing Day 2026!
GSPA - 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 community event, attending a Parkrun, hosting a webinar, releasing new research, or shining a spotlight on inspiring stories - The Global Social Prescribing Alliance is your platform to share and celebrate Social Prescribing Day 2026.
Save the Date: 26th March 2026
Register your event or activity here.
GSPA Social Prescribing Day Toolkit.
All GSPA campaign assets and resources are completely free to use.
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!
SAVE THE DATE FOR 2027 - start to plan and register your global event here!
The Global Social Prescribing Alliance Social Prescribing Day 2027 will be Saturday 27th March!
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
Join the Global Movement for Social Prescribing
Membership Mission: Unite global communities to transform healthcare through social prescribing while creating inclusive economic opportunities.
Launched by the UK Secretary of State for Health and Social Care in 2021, the
Global Social Prescribing Alliance (GSPA) is now active in over 30 countries and growing.
Connect with a trusted global network and access the expertise, partnerships, and guidance you need to
design, implement, and scale social prescribing programmes.
Membership Tiers
1. Free Global Member — £0/year
Ideal for individuals and organisations exploring or supporting social prescribing.
Benefits:
- Global community access
- Webinars and roundtables
- Knowledge resources and case study library
- Event invitations
- Alliance updates
2. Implementation Partner — From £1,000/year
Designed for organisations delivering or planning social prescribing. Tiered options allow you to choose the level of support you need.
Tier Options:
Standard Implementation Partner
- Up to 3 implementation advisory calls/year
- Service design and pathway guidance
- Workforce and link worker model advice
- Outcomes and evaluation frameworks
- Funding and investment signposting
- Partner introductions
- Implementation labs and roundtables
Advanced Implementation Partner
- Up to 6 advisory calls/year
- Expanded workforce and link worker support
- Pilot design support
- Funding and investment guidance
- Outcomes and evaluation frameworks
City / System Package (Custom Pricing)
- Full advisory support including workforce training, policy integration, investment readiness, and system-level implementation support
Optional Add-Ons:
- Additional advisory days
- Workforce training
- ROI modelling
- Programme evaluation
3. Strategic Partner (by consultation)
For systems, governments, and industry leaders shaping large-scale adoption.
Benefits:
- Dedicated advisory support
- Policy and system co-design
- Ecosystem mapping
- Investment and sustainability modelling
- Global visibility and speaking opportunities
- Research and pilot collaboration
Contact Us for Strategic Partnership
Membership Investment & Consultancy
- Free Global Member — £0/year
- Implementation Partner — From £1,000/year
- Strategic Partner — From £7,500/year
- Consultancy Day Rate — From £1,250/day + VAT 20%
Optional add-ons and bespoke packages are available for cities, regions, and national systems.
How to Join
- Select your membership tier
- Complete the Google Form (links above)
- Receive your welcome pack and access to your tier-specific benefits
- Start collaborating and implementing social prescribing programmes globally
Join Free Global Member - Apply Implementation Partner - Contact for Strategic Partnership
Contact
📧 gareth@whis.world
🌐 www.whis.world/gspa
Join the movement — advancing global health and wellbeing through social prescribing.
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