A groundbreaking new initiative offering football on prescription with the aim to tackle social isolation and mental health struggles is launching in Gloucestershire.
GPs in Stroud are making football part of the treatment plan for mental health and can prescribe tickets to matches, as well as walking football and five-a-side sessions, to people over 50, if doctor and patient both feel it could help.
Developed in partnership with Labour MP for Stroud, Dr Simon Opher and Forest Green Rovers chairman, Dale Vince OBE, the scheme is the first of its kind in the UK and will also be used to collect evidence to understand its impact – and see whether it can help people get better without the need for medication.
Forest Green Rovers is offering up free matchday tickets to participants, distributed as cards via local GP surgeries, with links to sign up to walking football or five-a-side sessions, too.
Stroud Walking Football hosts weekly sessions at Stratford Park Leisure Centre every Wednesday morning – run by a team of supportive volunteers all aged 50 and over – and is encouraging participants to come along and have a go.
Walking football is a gentler version of the beautiful game with no running or sliding tackles, providing an inclusive and accessible way to get involved.
Describing football on prescription as 'more than just a kickabout, it’s about reconnecting', the scheme hopes to tackle the issues of social isolation and mental health struggles facing people over 50-years-old in Stroud.
Simon said: 'Research shows that physical activity improves mental and physical health. We also know that social isolation plays a major role in poor mental health – and that community, connection and shared experiences can help people feel less alone.
'This initiative brings those two ideas together. It’s a form of social prescription, with football as the medicine.'
Dale added: 'This idea was born from conversations between myself and Simon. It’s aimed at everyone struggling with their mental health, but especially men, who are statistically the hardest to reach.
'The leading cause of death in men under 50 is now suicide – and loneliness is often a key factor. If a Saturday afternoon at a football match can help someone feel more connected and less alone, then that’s a powerful first step.'
Football on prescription is available now from 12 GP surgeries in and around Stroud, for anyone over 50-years-old who sees their doctor about their mental health.
