About us
WSSPR aims to deliver outputs on four established objectives.
In addition to outcomes and impact in academia, employing the translational research model enables WSSPR to have impact in policy, practice, health and well-being.
Cultivate a high-quality multi-phase programme of research to develop an evaluation methodology for social prescribing.
Increase research awareness and capacity for social prescribing across sectors.
Translate research findings into practice, policy and education.
Build research capacity within the Wales School for Social Prescribing Research.
Who we are
Who’s who in the group, governance structure and key partnerships included in the award.
WSSPR is nested within PRIME Centre Wales, under Theme 2: 'Seamless Care Closer to Home' and within Work Package 4 'Care Closer to Communities'. Work conducted by WSSPR will feed into PRIME Centre Wales through regular operational group meetings.
Within WSSPR is WSPRN, the Wales Social Prescribing Research Network. This is a network of researchers and practitioners in Wales who are interested in social prescribing research. The network currently has over 350 members.
Through the network, WSPRN, three Communities of Practice operate in North Wales, South East Wales and CONNECT Wales. These feed out to members of the public and the social prescribing community across Wales.
The WSSPR Steering Group meets on a bi-monthly basis. Members include representatives from academia, third sector, public health, NHS, social care and two lay members. The steering group provides strategic guidance to WSSPR on how to maximise research impact nationally and internationally. It acts as a critical friend and supports research activities to achieve the aim and objectives of the school.
On alternate months, the WSSPR Operational Group meets, it is comprised of the WSSPR director, third sector lead, social value lead, core-funded research staff and two lay members. The purpose of the operational group is to monitor activities and progress against grant objectives and to co-ordinate, review, feedback and contribute to the development and delivery of the grant activities and associated functions.
The WSSPR International Advisory Board meets annually. It provides independent advice, critical comment, and international perspectives on WSSPR research. It involves experts in social prescribing, primary care, community health and social care from England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Spain, Sweden, Poland, France, Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. The Board met in November 2021.
WSSPR has 10 research students based in University of South Wales and Bangor University studying projects related to social prescribing. In addition, 2 students have successfully completed their studies this year.
WSSPR also leads the Regional Centre of Expertise Wales (RCE Cymru) social prescribing circle of interest. RCE Cymru is a member of the 150 global network of RCEs formed by the United Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability in response to the UN resolution Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014).
