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Social Prescribing Innovation Showcase

A growing directory highlighting organisations, projects, and ideas making a difference to social prescribing, across the UK. 

Projects with the Innovation Network badge come from members of our Social Prescribing Innovation Network!

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Featuring on the Innovation Showcase does not imply endorsement, affiliation or partnership with NASP. 

Showing 59 results

  • Storytelling Connects

    Storytelling Connects® is a creative card game designed for people who want to stay mentally flexible and enjoy the company of others. Target players include, but are not limited to, people living with dementia or other degenerative cognitive disorders, those with cognitive impairment, and those in later life who may be experiencing loneliness.   The game consists of pictures and prompts to stimulate through cognitive sequencing the parts of the brain involved in learning and memory, and its collaborative nature supports social connections and wellbeing. The game has been designed by colleagues at the Universities of Sussex and Northampton and, in response to user feedback, has recently been updated with a suite of new images featuring a wider range of subjects and settings to illustrate greater equality, diversity and inclusion. A novel feature is the QR prompt cards that link to audio fragments associated with the story themes in the pack.
    Sectors:
    Arts and Culture
    Location(s):
    All UK
    Area of work:
    Long Term Conditions
    Older People
    Evidence and Research

  • Innovation Network Innovation Network

    The Kindful

    There is a lot of evidence for the benefits of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, however community attendees can find this intervention hard to access. The Kindful CIC worked with Spring Social Prescribing Northamptonshire Link Workers to create accessible and inclusive secular mindfulness sessions for members of a community in North Northants. We evolved the sessions from taster sessions, a weekly introductory course to a monthly drop in session informed by mindfulness. The sessions were designed to be standalone with no prior experience of mindfulness, but also modular ie regular attendees would build skills.
    Sectors:
    Arts and Culture
    Physical Activity
    Natural Environment
    Location(s):
    East of England
    Midlands
    Area of work:
    Mental Health
    Long Term Conditions
    Older People
    Evidence and Research

  • Innovation Network Innovation Network

    Well Image CIC

    Well Image is a social enterprise which has developed a programme using online photography groups to improve mental health. We have found they are particularly impactful for those who are most isolated due to a long-term health condition, disability, anxiety, or a life-changing event. We collaborate with organisations, running six-week programmes. Inspiration is provided for participants wherever they are and whatever access to nature they have, even if they cannot easily leave their homes. Images are shared and discussed in a supportive, non-competitive environment. Many of our participants have reported that the course has improved not only mental health but physical health as well. Our five aims are closely aligned with the NHS's 5 ways to mental wellbeing, which are well established. Ours are to use photography as a catalyst to: engage with nature, become more present, increase activity, enhance creativity, and connect with others. This holistic approach combines arts and nature and encourages new perspectives and behaviours.
    Sectors:
    Arts and Culture
    Natural Environment
    Primary Care
    Location(s):
    South West
    Area of work:
    Mental Health
    Long Term Conditions
    Physical Health

  • Innovation Network Innovation Network

    Mind Over Mountains

    Mind Over Mountains partnered with Forestry England to deliver accessible, inclusive and therapeutic outdoor experiences within tranquil forest settings. This social prescribing initiative helps people access professional mental health support in nature, moving away from clinical environments to foster calm, connection and hope. In 2025, six introductory wellbeing walks were delivered at Guisborough Forest and Whinlatter Forest, with 23 participants taking part. Each walk was led by two experienced walk leaders, a wellbeing coach and a counsellor, offering a blend of professional guidance and peer support in a safe, non-judgemental space. Participants benefited from the healing effects of time outdoors, developing tools to support ongoing wellbeing and resilience. Feedback highlighted improved mood, confidence and social connection. The project demonstrates how nature-based interventions can bridge the gap between mental health services and the outdoors, providing a scalable, effective model for social prescribing.
    Sectors:
    Physical Activity
    Natural Environment
    Location(s):
    North East
    North West
    Yorkshire & The Humber
    South East
    Midlands
    Wales
    Area of work:
    Mental Health

  • Innovation Network Innovation Network

    Urban Forest School CIC

    Supporting Autistic Young People into Work Through Horticulture In May 2025, Finsbury Park became home to a new initiative helping autistic young adults take their first steps into employment and education. The scheme, called SETH – Supporting Employment / Education Through Horticulture, is a partnership between Urban Forest Collective and Edible Landscapes London. Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and launched during World Autism Acceptance Month, SETH offers structured work placements in a peaceful forest garden setting. Over 24 weeks, two cohorts of ten+ participants took part in weekly sessions focused on: Gardening and conservation: learning practical skills like plant propagation and safe tool use Social and business skills: contributing to a micro-enterprise by selling plants and seeds Personal development: building confidence, teamwork, and financial literacy Each participant received tailored support, including access to therapists and one-to-one coaching from a Special Educational Needs (SEN) support worker. The programme is designed for autistic young people aged 18–30 who are not currently in education, employment, or training (NEET), and who can travel independently or with a support worker. Participants gained: Practical work experience and a reference for their CV Improved confidence and social skills A deeper connection to nature and their local community The scheme also enhances a publicly accessible green space, helping participants feel pride in their contribution. Co-designing the programme came with the support of autistic individuals we have worked with along the way and long-term partners like Resources for Autism. Those relationships have been key to SETH's success. A calm, outdoor setting and personalised support have helped participants thrive. Once again the program reinforces the restorative impact of nature and how funding such programs supports the NHS 10 year vision of a neighbourhood health service “For every £1 invested, the programme delivered £2.42 in benefits, helping to reduce pressure on other services.”
    Sectors:
    Physical Activity
    Natural Environment
    Location(s):
    London
    Area of work:
    Physical Health
    Mental Health
    Evidence and Research

  • Innovation Network Innovation Network

    SIG Penrose Roots

    SIG Penrose Roots is an award-winning Community-Based Recovery Service and the only year-round green support service in Luton and Bedford. Operating across five projects at three sites, Roots supports over 600 people annually who face multiple disadvantages and social isolation. The service provides accessible pathways for building friendships, social networks, and community engagement through therapeutic growing spaces, skill-building workshops, and social activities. Key projects include a one-acre therapeutic garden growing fresh produce, weekly social groups, vocational horticultural training, bike repair workshops, and woodworking sessions. Roots operates six days per week with a flexible, barrier-free approach, accepting self-referrals and professional referrals without strict eligibility criteria. The service is designed and delivered by people with lived experience, with the majority of staff being former beneficiaries. Members can tailor their involvement, choosing which projects to attend and how frequently, with non-attendance never requiring re-referral. This person-centred, non-clinical approach enables people to rebuild confidence, develop skills, and become active community members.
    Sectors:
    Arts and Culture
    Physical Activity
    Natural Environment
    Location(s):
    East of England
    Area of work:
    Physical Health
    Mental Health
    Long Term Conditions
    Older People

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