Healthcare Quarterly

Healthcare Quarterly 28(2) July 2025 : 20-26.doi:10.12927/hcq.2025.27683
Social Determinents and Mental Health

Social Prescribing: A Pragmatic Pathway to Address Loneliness and Mental Health in Canada

Nicole Anne D’souza, Srija Biswass and Kate Mulligan

Abstract

Loneliness is a growing public health crisis, with profound implications for mental and physical health. Social prescribing offers a proactive solution by connecting individuals to non-clinical supports, such as arts programs, peer networks and physical activities. In Canada, social prescribing is gaining traction, with initiatives addressing loneliness among youth, caregivers and older adults. By integrating social prescribing into healthcare systems, policy makers can enhance well-being, reduce healthcare strain and promote social inclusion. This paper explores social prescribing's role in addressing loneliness, its implementation across different life stages and its potential to transform mental healthcare in Canada.

 

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