Watching football to be made available on prescription for depression sufferers
GP clinics to start prescribing live football matches
- A pioneering scheme will prescribe live football matches to patients experiencing mild to moderate depression in Gloucestershire.
- The initiative was developed by Labour MP Dr Simon Opher and Ecotricity owner Dale Vince, offering patients the chance to attend games at Forest Green Rovers.
- Dr Opher, a former GP, advocates social prescribing as an alternative to antidepressants, aiming to combat social isolation and loneliness.
- He expresses concern about the over-prescription of antidepressants for mild or moderate symptoms, noting the high number of people currently on them.
- The scheme will involve a dozen local surgeries, with Forest Green Rovers donating free tickets for the entire season, starting on August 16.