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

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 health care in Canada.