Today, on behalf of Taipei Medical University, I had the privilege of visiting Thrive's London Centre at Battersea Park, one of the UK's leading organizations delivering Social Prescribing and horticultural therapy programms. What impressed me most was not just the beautiful therapeutic gardens, greenhouses, and classrooms—it was how these spaces have been intentionally designed to support people living with mental health challenges, disabilities, dementia, social isolation, and long-term health conditions. Over nearly three hours, the Thrive team generously shared their experiences in:
Practitioner training and workforce development
Programme design for vulnerable populations
Funding and sustainability models
Volunteer engagement and community partnerships
Therapeutic garden planning and operations
This visit reinforced an important lesson: health is created not only in hospitals, but also in communities and in our relationship with nature. As someone whose research has evolved from intellectual property, ESG, and sustainability governance to Social Prescribing and nature-based interventions, I increasingly believe that the future of healthcare lies in integrating medical care with community resources and addressing the social determinants of health. Since last year, I have been collaborating with Shuang Ho Hospital and Wan Fang Hospital to co-design and pilot Social Prescribing initiatives in Taiwan. Our goal is to develop referral pathways, community partnerships, and evidence-based Green Prescription programmes that are tailored to Taiwan's healthcare system and local communities. Standing in Battersea Park today, I could not help but ask: If London can transform a public park into a place of healing and social connection, what might be possible for Taiwan? I am deeply grateful to Ben, Mark, and Leila for their generosity and inspiration. We look forward to continuing this dialogue and, hopefully, welcoming the Thrive team to Taiwan in the near future. The future of healthcare may not only be about new medicines or technologies—it may also be about helping people reconnect with their communities, with nature, and with one another. #SocialPrescribing #GreenPrescription #NatureBasedHealth #HorticulturalTherapy #IntegratedCare #CommunityHealth #HealthEquity #PlanetaryHealth #Sustainability #HealthcareInnovation #TaipeiMedicalUniversity
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