Healing Through Community and Social Prescribing
I recently traveled to Denmark for my family’s annual summer reunion. It’s a lively weekend with over 50 relatives gathering, many of whom are involved in the arts. Actors, students of musical theater, and even theater managers in Copenhagen. In our conversations, a concept came up that was new to me: social prescribing.
They shared how many of the theater attendees are elders that have been supported by the healthcare system to regularly attend social outings like live theater performances, all in an effort to boost their well-being. I was intrigued. The idea that social connection could be “prescribed” for health benefits felt both beautiful and deeply relevant.
So, what is social prescribing?
It’s a model of care where doctors or healthcare providers can refer people to non-clinical activities such as arts programs, community gardening, or volunteering to improve their overall health. The idea is that health isn’t just about medicine; it’s also shaped by our environment, community, and daily life. Social prescribing offers a more holistic, human-centered approach, encouraging people to engage with their community.
This is especially timely. Loneliness and social isolation are rising across all age groups, made worse by the pandemic, our increasingly digital lifestyles, and changing social norms. While I first heard about social prescribing in Denmark, I soon learned that the UK has been a pioneer in implementing and studying it at a national level. For instance, the UK government has reported that frequent loneliness rose from 5 percent to 7.2 percent in just one year, impacting 3.7 million adults. Additionally, the research shows that there are serious health effects caused by loneliness. This includes higher risks of depression, heart disease, cognitive decline, and even premature death. Some researchers compare the impact of chronic loneliness to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
The economic impact of loneliness
It’s not just a health issue, but an economic one too. Loneliness-related health problems and workplace absences cost UK employers billions each year. Social prescribing helps ease this burden by connecting people to tailored community activities and resources. These connections often help reduce stress, build confidence, and foster a sense of belonging. One study found that participants with long-term mental health conditions felt more in control of their recovery after engaging in creative group activities.
After doing more research, I came across global examples of social prescribing in places like the UK, USA, and Australia. Still, I kept thinking back to that original conversation with my Danish relatives, which led me to look more closely at how Denmark is embracing the model in its own way.
Social prescribing in Denmark
There, a program called Kulturvitaminer (“culture vitamins”) helps unemployed people dealing with stress, anxiety, or depression. Funded in part by the Danish health authority, municipalities like Aalborg and Silkeborg offer courses that immerse participants in cultural experiences from attending symphony rehearsals to visiting museums, reading stories aloud, or walking by the sea.
The program’s leader, Mikael Odder Nielsen, put it simply: “We wanted to see if culture could improve mental health, reduce isolation, and help people return to work.” And early reports claim it’s working. Participants say having something to focus on outside themselves, and being with others who share similar challenges, has made a big difference.
Of course, this isn’t a brand-new idea. Back in 2008, the UK health secretary called for the arts to be part of mainstream healthcare. By 2009, the Royal College of Psychiatrists was already recommending creative engagement for mental health. Since then, the evidence has only grown. Programs like “art on prescription” have been shown to reduce doctor visits and help participants gain valuable life skills.
Why social prescribing is so important right now
As I finished my reading, I kept thinking about how timely and important this topic is. In a world still feeling the effects of COVID, struggling with screen fatigue, and facing rising rates of anxiety and depression, the need for real in-person connection has never been more clear.
What makes social prescribing so powerful is its flexibility and broad reach. Young people dealing with anxiety or loneliness can find support through creative programs or peer groups. Older adults can gain companionship through community clubs, exercise classes, or befriending services. For those managing mental health challenges, activities like mindfulness workshops or art therapy can offer meaningful paths to healing. Even people facing difficult circumstances such as migrants or those without stable housing can be connected to vital community resources and support networks. This adaptability makes social prescribing an inclusive and deeply human-centered approach to care.
At first, the idea of doctors prescribing social activities might sound idealistic. But in a world where so much of our interaction is digital, maybe what we need most are more human moments, more community, creativity, and shared experience.
To explore more about how real-world connection can support well-being in the digital age, check out our blog post: Reclaiming Our Social Lives in a Digital Age
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The Guardian. “The Upside: Singing, Theatre and the Arts Can Help Mental Health.” The Guardian, 31 July 2019.
UK Government. Social Prescribing: Applying All Our Health. Department of Health and Social Care, 2022.
Social Prescribing USA. Initiative Tracker. 2024.
National Academy for Social Prescribing. Combatting Loneliness: Resources and Case Studies. 2023.
Michigan Psychological Association. “Social Prescriptions Can Help Reduce Loneliness and Social Isolation.” Daily Planet Blog, 1 April 2025.
