On the 19th and 20th June, the National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP), the Social Prescribing Network and the University of Westminster hosted the 5th International Social Prescribing Conference. The event united people from around the world, with 20 countries represented and nearly 500 delegates attending across the two days.
Overview
More than 60 speakers took part over the two days, focusing on evidence, research and innovation in social prescribing in England and across the world. Delegates participated in workshops, breakout groups and even participated in mindfulness, laughing yoga and Badge Cafe sessions. The conference covered a breadth of topics including:
- Innovation in Social Prescribing, including Arts, Nature, Heritage and Digital
- Social Prescribing for Children and Young People
- Social prescribing around the world – including projects in Singapore, Hong Kong, Germany and Ireland
- Supporting the Workforce; Training, Retention and Progression
- Breaking out of primary care; Whole system approaches
- Evidence and Evaluation; Data, Demand and Efficacy
- Health Inequalities and Major Conditions
Watch moments from the conference
Speakers
The inspiring afternoon keynotes were delivered by Cormac Russell, Managing Director of Nurture Development, who spoke about the importance of empowering communities to take the lead when it comes to health creation, and Sir Michael Marmot, who talked passionately about the increase in health inequalities and the need to address this.
- Other speakers to the whole conference included Dame Sarah Mullally, Bishop of London, who discussed the role of faith groups in social prescribing
- Dr Tara Mastracci, who introduced a social prescribing project at St Barts Hospital, focusing on cardiovascular patients
- Dr Michael Dixon and Sir Sam Everington, who have championed social prescribing for many years
- Dr Mohan Sekeram, discussing the impact of social prescribing in Merton
- Charlotte Osborn-Forde, Chief Executive of NASP, and Sian Brand, Chair of the Social Prescribing Network
The final session of the conference – focusing on the Future of Social Prescribing – featured medical students sharing their views on why social prescribing needs to play a crucial role in the future of global healthcare
Social prescribing communalises care. We all recognise that illness is not just a personal calamity and that helping people to heal is something we must all take part of as a community
Social Prescribing Awards
On day one of the conference the winners of the Social Prescribing Awards were announced. The awards were hosted by the Social Prescribing Network, NASP and the College of Medicine. The awards were also supported by Access Elemental and Viridian Nutrition.
The conference was a fantastic opportunity to bring together likeminded individuals who are passionate about the development of social prescribing, both nationally and globally. Over the two days delegates deepened their understanding of key issues within social prescribing and explored best practice within the field.
Thank you to Access Elemental for supporting the International Social Prescribing Conference 2024.
