Prescribing arts and culture

The Social Prescribing Arts & Culture: A Toolkit for Service Providers was created to help service providers understand how social prescribing and arts and culture can support wellbeing, especially for newcomer communities. It offers an introduction to how creative and community-based activities can strengthen connection, belonging, and wellness, along with practical guidance for making accessible and meaningful referrals to arts and culture opportunities across the GTA.

A special feature of the toolkit is the Arts & Culture Social Prescribing Assessment (AC-SPA), developed by Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services. The AC-SPA is an assessment guide designed to help service providers offer trauma-informed and psychologically safe arts and culture social prescribing supports.

Introduction to Social Prescribing: Learn what social prescribing is, how it works, and the process from needs assessment to goal-setting.
Role of the Link Worker: Explore the role of the “link worker” or connector and how this role may differ across organizations and communities.
Arts and Culture for Wellbeing: Understand how arts and culture can support newcomer wellbeing through expression, connection, and belonging.
Client-Centered Conversations: Learn how to use motivational interviewing and the Arts & Culture Social Prescribing Assessment to guide meaningful conversations.
Accessible Referrals and Reducing Barriers: Develop thoughtful referrals to community arts opportunities while addressing barriers such as cost, language, and access to support long-term wellbeing.

Practitioner benefits

Related Resources

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