Every autumn, hundreds of leading experts, decision-makers and community members gather at the European Health Forum Gastein in Austria. It has evolved into a key platform for health policy exchange, bringing together stakeholders and decision-makers from the public and private sector, civil society, and science and academia. The unparalleled mix of participants, combined with the inclusive, courageous and candid nature of discussions set the tone for a unique opportunity of exchange and collaboration. This year’s theme was “Rethinking solidarity in health: Healing Europe’s fractured social contract”. The NDPHS Secretariat in collaboration with EuroHealthNet organized a session “Social, green, and arts prescriptions for health: Harnessing the power of community interventions for well-being”.

Moderated by Alison Maassen (EuroHealthNet), the session focused on how community-based approaches such as creative workshops, green spaces, and social activities can strengthen health systems and promote equity. The event also served as an opportunity to learn about the Interreg Baltic Sea Region project “Arts on Prescription in the Baltic Sea Region” pilots in Latvia, Sweden, Denmark, Poland and Germany. Ülla-Karin Nurm, NDPHS Secretariat director, reflected on how the AoP concept was adapted to different local circumstances and shared insights on how we can embed community-based interventions in our health and social systems in the future.

Sonia Dias (NOVA Lisboa University) contributed academic insights, presenting research on how these interventions can address wider determinants of health and reduce inequalities. Together with other experts, the panel shared real-world examples and strategies for scaling these initiatives, highlighting their potential to foster inclusion, resilience, and well-being across Europe.

SPEAKERS

• Sonia Dias, Director and Professor, National School of Public Health, NOVA Lisboa University
• Neringa Grigutytė, Mental Health Advisor, Ministry of Health, Lithuania
• Richard Filz, Musician, Lecturer, Composer, Author, RhythmOne
• Stine Keiding, Programme Manager, Cultural Region Funen
• Ülla-Karin Nurm, Director, Northern Dimension Partnership in Public Health and Social Well-being

MODERATOR

• Alison Maassen, Programme Manager, EuroHealthNet

Click here to watch a full video recording of the session.

In connection with the Forum, Special Eurohealth Gastein issue published an article by Ülla-Karin Nurm (NDPHS Secretariat) and Alison Maassen (EuroHealthNet), examining the topic of social prescribing. Social Prescribing is an innovative approach that bridges the gap between primary health care and non-clinical supports and services within the community. It enables general practitioners who identify health-related social problems to refer patients to a so-called link worker. The link worker provides personalized support and helps these patients to access community resources by addressing any barriers that may exist. Although interest in the AoP is rising across Europe, long-term success relies on consistent funding, seamless integration into health and social systems, and investment in community resources to generate widespread and lasting positive effects. Read the article.

To build up on the existing initiatives, the NDPHS as Coordinator of Policy Area Health in the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, together with partners, has launched the Interreg Baltic Sea Region funded Mental Health Platform. The platform consolidates evidence from a wide range of sectors – including schools, workplaces, cultural environments, and other community settings – to shape stronger, more coordinated mental health responses, to equip decision-makers with practical tools and policy recommendations, and to strengthen the resilience of the region.