We’re inspired by Fraser Health’s progress and the potential of these grants to improve quality of life for seniors and their families. This is another important step in advancing social prescribing across Canada.

@cspsc.ca

This work builds on their leadership in connecting seniors with community resources for physical activity, engagement, caregiver support, & food security.

With 21 seniors’ connectors already supporting 15 communities, these investments will help more older adults age well at home & in community.

Through these development grants, Fraser Health, in partnership with United Way British Columbia, Simon Fraser University, and The University of British Columbia, will be able to strengthen evaluation and expand access to social prescribing.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to strengthen an existing initiative, this conversation offers practical insights and lessons from the field to support your journey.

In this session, we heard from teams who are building and expanding social prescribing.

They shared:
✔️ The strengths they built on
✔️ The barriers they faced
✔️ The strategies they used to keep momentum going; from laying early groundwork to moving toward long-term integration

Hear first-hand from SP Connectors and their managers on:
✅ A day in the life of a Connector
✅ How the role is evolving in Canada and beyond
✅ The skills and competencies that drive success
✅ Strategies for sustainable funding
✅ Collaborating with healthcare and community partners

Social Prescribing Connectors—also called Link Workers, Community Connectors, and Navigators—are the bridge between healthcare and community support. They connect people to the resources, relationships, and opportunities that improve wellbeing.

This new study by Kiffer G. Card, Kate Mulligan, Sonia Hsiung, Srija Biswas, and fellow Canadian researchers Vivian Welch, Maksim Muratov, Paul Hebert, Cindy Yu & Michelle Nelson examines how trust shapes older adults’ interest, participation & engagement in social prescribing.

🔍 From 4,136 survey respondents & 43 focus group participants:
▪️ Trust in people (link workers, healthcare providers) can differ from trust in systems.
▪️ Interpersonal skills & time with clients help bridge the gap.
▪️ Trust is essential to effective social prescribing.

Whether it’s a student, researcher, connector, or innovator, we want to hear their story.

🏆 Award categories:
🔹 Innovation
🔹 Connector
🔹 Researcher/Research Team
🔹 Student Champion
🔹 Changemaker

We’ve been inspired by the nominations coming in and heard from many of you that a little more time would help—so we’re giving it to you!

Let’s keep the momentum going and celebrate the people and programs shaping the future of social prescribing in Canada.

Hear from:
🔸 United Way British Columbia
🔸 Parkgate Society
🔸 Jewish Family Services Calgary
🔸 Brighter Living Partnership

Join us for a deep dive into how this role is evolving and the impact it has the potential to make on people’s lives.

Last year, we celebrated incredible changemakers who are leading the way in connecting health and community — just like the inspiring folks pictured here☝️

@allianceon.bsky.social

Now, it’s your turn to help us recognize the next wave of leaders, innovators, and connectors driving real impact.

Learn how about SP Connectors are bridging health and social care to:

✅ Address social determinants of health
✅ Improve equity and access
✅ Strengthen relationships between people and their communities