A pilot scheme in Gloucestershire will allow patients with mild to moderate depression to receive football tickets on prescription. This initiative, proposed by Labour MP Dr Simon Opher and Ecotricity founder Dale Vince, aims to use social prescribing as an alternative to antidepressants. By attending Forest Green Rovers matches, individuals can combat social isolation and improve mental health. The pilot will be offered at 12 surgeries and runs throughout the football season, targeting those with moderate depression while recognizing the need for medication in severe cases.
"Football clubs are in the centre of our communities and it's a way of getting people who perhaps are a bit socially isolated back into the community and back chatting to people."
"It's a different way of treating mental illness that doesn't involve tablets. When you play football you often go out and socialise after."
"Some people do have very severe mental health issues and do need medication and specialist care. What we're aiming for here is people with moderate depression."
"I think it'd be a great thing if football..."
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