It takes more than medicine to heal.
What is Social Prescribing?
Social Prescribing is a person-centered approach that connects people to non-clinical community resources like nature walks, art classes, music, or volunteering to support emotional, social, and practical well-being. Instead of relying solely on medication, healthcare providers are prescribing meaningful activities that improve overall health.This innovative model is integrated into healthcare systems globally, with much of the foundational work developed in the U.K. There, general practitioners refer patients to trained Link Workers who take time to understand each individual’s needs and connect them to supportive, community-based resources such as arts, gardening, volunteering, movement, and nature-based activities.
The Benjamin Goldberg Foundation is leading the Hampton Roads region in raising awareness and implementation of Social Prescribing initiatives.
Our Work in Action
Healing Arts Social Prescribing Pilot Program
In partnership with Sentara Brock Cancer Center, Virginia MOCA, and Tidewater Music Therapy, the Benjamin Goldberg Foundation is launching one of the first Healing Arts Social Prescribing Pilot Programs in the country. This initiative will establish a referral pathway connecting healthcare providers with arts-based interventions to enhance healing, resilience, and patient well-being.
Social Prescribing Roundtable Convening:
A NATIONAL TOOLKIT
Our Social Prescribing Toolkit is a 50+ page digital guide designed to help communities replicate and expand Social Prescribing initiatives nationwide. Built on the insights and best practices gathered from our 2024 convening, this resource offers a flexible framework to support planning and implementation in your own region.
Hampton Roads Social Prescribing Network
In September 2024, we hosted the region’s first-ever Social Prescribing Roundtable Convening, bringing together key stakeholders to explore implementation strategies. Building on this momentum, the Benjamin Goldberg Foundation launched the Hampton Roads Social Prescribing Network (HRSPN)—a quarterly virtual meeting series.
Join us for a chance to:
Sustain connections among stakeholders
Share updates, best practices, and success stories
Collaborate on implementing healing arts prescriptions locally
Develop a strategic roadmap for advancing social prescribing in our region
Interested in joining?
HRSPN meetings bring together healthcare providers, healing arts therapists, artists, and community leaders passionate about advancing social prescribing. If you'd like to join, please email us at:
Help Us Keep the Momentum Going!
Your support helps bring social prescribing to more communities. If this work inspires you, please consider making a donation.
Resources
Read BGF articles about Social Prescribing:
To learn more about social prescribing, visit:
Global Social Prescribing Alliance
For information on program implementation, visit: