Session 4

Social, green, and arts prescriptions for health

Harnessing the power of community interventions for well-being

Organised by the Northern Dimension Partnership in Public Health and Social Well-being in collaboration with EuroHealthNet

What if your next prescription wasn’t a pill, but a painting class, a community garden, or a walking group? This session explores how social prescribing, including arts, green, and community-based interventions, can strengthen social ties, improve well-being, and reduce pressure on healthcare systems.

Bringing together leading experts and high-level policymakers, the discussion will spotlight evidence-based strategies to scale these non-medical approaches across Europe. It will also examine how such interventions can rebuild trust, foster inclusion, and promote sustainability in health.

Speakers will share success stories, policy pathways, and funding solutions, while not shying away from the challenges of implementation. With an emphasis on cross-sectoral collaboration, co-governance, and innovation, the session invites participants to reimagine what a resilient, person-centred health system can look like.