Delivering Inclusive Cultural Offers for Social Prescribing: A Realist Evaluation Involving Older People From Global Majority Backgrounds and Cultural Sector Providers in the UK

Authors

Debra Westlake, Nuffield Dep[artment of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, UK
Kamal R. Mahtani, Nuffield Dep[artment of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, UK
Geoffrey Wong, Nuffield Dep[artment of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, UK
Jordan Gorenberg, Nuffield Dep[artment of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, UK
Marta Santillo, Nuffield Dep[artment of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, UK
Kerryn Husk, Peninsula Medical School
Sofia Vougioukalou, Cardiff University
Ruthanne Baxter, University of Edinburgh
Shoba Dawson, University of Sheffield
Caroline M. Potter, Nuffield Dep[artment of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, UK
Harriet Warburton, University of Oxford
Beth McDougall, University of Oxford
Stephanie Tierney, Nuffield Dep[artment of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, UK

ORCID

• Kerryn Husk: 0000-0001-5674-8673

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Research shows cultural activities benefit older people's wellbeing, but little is known about why individuals from global majority (minority ethnic) groups engage less with the mainstream cultural sector, or how it could adapt to meet their needs and encourage engagement. The TOUS study (Tailoring cultural Offers with and for diverse older Users of Social prescribing) investigated the question: What tailoring is needed, how, when and for whom, to optimise cultural offers as part of social prescribing for older people (aged 60+) from global majority groups? Methods The TOUS study involved focused ethnographies with six cultural-sector organisations throughout the United Kingdom and 11 key informant interviews with cultural providers. A realist approach was adopted, resulting in the development of a programme theory. Results The programme theory has three pillars: (1) broker, hook, and opportunity, which support entry into cultural spaces to provide immediate benefits; (2) safety and trust, power-sharing, and meaning, which sustain engagement; and (3) transformative outcomes, including lasting relationships, confidence, and exploring identities. Conclusions With intentional engagement and relational practices, organisations can foster inclusive cultural participation and support well-being in later life. Patient or Public Contribution The TOUS study was guided by a public involvement group of six contributors (aged 60+ from global majority/minority ethnic backgrounds) who shared experiences of creative practice, and advised on data collection, analysis, model development, and dissemination. The study also involved collaborative analysis of data at case sites.

DOI Link

10.1111/hex.70550

Publication Date

2026-02-14

Publication Title

Health Expectations

Volume

29

Issue

1

ISSN

1369-6513

Acceptance Date

2025-12-15

Deposit Date

2026-02-18

Additional Links

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/hex.70550

Keywords

cultural sector, engagement, global majority, minority ethnic, older people, realist, social prescribing

First Page

70550

Last Page

70550

Recommended Citation

Westlake, D., Mahtani, K., Wong, G., Gorenberg, J., Santillo, M., Husk, K., Vougioukalou, S., Baxter, R., Dawson, S., Potter, C., Warburton, H., McDougall, B., & Tierney, S. (2026) 'Delivering Inclusive Cultural Offers for Social Prescribing: A Realist Evaluation Involving Older People From Global Majority Backgrounds and Cultural Sector Providers in the UK', Health Expectations, 29(1), pp. 70550-70550. Available at: 10.1111/hex.70550