Social Prescribing for Teenage Depression

(SPARK Trial)

Overseen By Susan Bennett, PhD

Age: < 18

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Ottawa

Disqualifiers: Children < 11, Adolescents > 17

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 12

Duration: 12 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores how a program called Social Prescribing (SP) might improve mental health and well-being in teenagers. The researchers aim to determine if SP can reduce stress, increase connectedness, and enhance overall health in young people. Participants will either engage in SP activities or receive a booklet with educational content, then report their experiences. This trial suits teens aged 11 to 17 who are waiting for mental health services and are not in immediate danger to themselves or others. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity for teens to contribute to innovative mental health solutions.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that the Social Prescription intervention is safe for youth?

Research has shown that social prescribing is generally safe for young people. Studies have often found improvements in mental health and wellbeing. Specifically, 18 out of 22 studies reported better mental wellbeing and reduced use of medical services, suggesting that social prescribing is well-tolerated and unlikely to cause harm.

Other research has linked social prescribing to enhanced psychological wellbeing and quality of life for children and young people. By connecting them to community activities, it supports their mental health. Although no serious negative effects have been reported, individual experiences may vary, as with any intervention. Overall, the evidence supports the safety of social prescribing for teens. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about social prescribing for teenage depression because it offers a fresh approach by connecting teens with community-based activities, aiming to enhance social connections and boost mental wellness. Unlike standard treatments like medication or therapy, which focus directly on managing symptoms, social prescribing emphasizes building a supportive social network and engaging in meaningful activities. This method could provide a more holistic and empowering option for teenagers, fostering long-term resilience and well-being.

What evidence suggests that the Social Prescribing intervention could be effective for teenage depression?

Research has shown that social prescribing, tested in this trial, can positively impact mental health and well-being. Most individuals who try social prescribing report improved mental health and reduced stress. A recent review found that 18 out of 22 studies showed improvements in mental health through social prescribing. This method connects people to community activities, lifting their mood and enhancing their sense of connection. Overall, evidence suggests that social prescribing is a promising way to support mental health, especially for young people. Participants in this trial will be randomly assigned to either a social prescribing intervention group or an educational control group. ^{1 2 3 5 6}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Nicole Racine, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Ottawa

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for teenagers experiencing depression. To join, they must be willing to complete questionnaires and participate in interviews about their mental health and wellbeing. There's no specific exclusion criteria provided, but typically those with conditions that might interfere with the study or who can't comply with its requirements would not qualify.

Inclusion Criteria

Not an immediate safety threat to themselves or others as assessed by the HEADS ED questionnaire

On the waitlist for mental health services

I am between 11 and 17 years old.

Exclusion Criteria

I am over 17 years old.

I am under 11 years old.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants are randomized to receive either the Social Prescription intervention or be placed in an education control group for 12 weeks

12 weeks

Initial visit for randomization, follow-up assessments at 12 weeks

Follow-up

Participants complete wellbeing and mental health questionnaires and participate in qualitative interviews to share their experiences

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Social Prescribing

Trial Overview The study tests a Social Prescription (SP) intervention against an education control group to see if SP helps improve teens' mental health, reduces stress, and boosts wellbeing and social connections. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Social prescribing intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Youth randomly assigned to the social prescribing intervention group will have access to a social prescribing activity during their 12 weeks of participation.

Group II: Educational control Active Control 1 Intervention

Youth randomly assigned to the educational control will not be provided a social prescribing intervention program, but they will be provided an educational booklet about the importance of connections.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Ottawa

Lead Sponsor

Trials

231

Recruited

267,000+

Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute

Collaborator

Trials

4

Recruited

550+

Citations

1. ibsafoundation.org ibsafoundation.org/en/blog/social-prescribing-integrated-mental-health-strategies-for-adolescents

Social prescribing: integrated mental health strategies for ... On the whole, the results reveal predominantly positive outcomes. Quantitative investigations reported improvements in mental well-being, ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10170442/

Wellbeing while waiting evaluating social prescribing in ... The Wellbeing While Waiting study will evaluate whether social prescribing benefits the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.

3. bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-025-24413-5

The use of social prescribing and community-based wellbeing ... The impact on outcomes was reported to be largely positive (18 studies out of 22) with outcomes such as mental wellbeing, use of services, and ...

4. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11216282/

Social prescribing for individuals with mental health problems Social prescribing involves connecting individuals to community groups and activities, often to support their mental health and well-being.

5. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-youth-mental-health-and-wellbeing-6-2025-3a8bc

Social Prescribing for Teenage Depression (SPARK Trial) The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if the Social Prescription (SP) intervention helps improve mental health and wellbeing in youth.

6. socialprescribingacademy.org.uk socialprescribingacademy.org.uk/media/lrif2emh/evidence-review-the-impact-of-social-prescribing-on-children-and-young-peoples-health-and-wellbeing.pdf

The impact of social prescribing on children and young ... Outcomes included psychological wellbeing, general health, mental health, and quality of life. • Studies were included if they explicitly assessed the ...