Football on prescription: Tackling loneliness and mental health one pass at a time
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A groundbreaking new initiative is using the beautiful game to tackle loneliness and support mental health.
Football on Prescription is a pilot scheme across 12 GP surgeries near Forest Green Rovers’ New Lawn stadium in Nailsworth. The club are donating tickets to their matches, which can be prescribed by GPs to patients with mild to moderate depression instead of antidepressants.
The scheme was launched by Ecotricity founder and owner of Forest Green Rovers Chair, Dale Vince, alongside the MP for Stroud, Dr. Simon Opher.
Dale Vince explains the thinking behind it: “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, that’s a powerful first step.” and Stroud Walking Football, offers people over 50 the chance to get active, get social and feel better — one slow-paced kickabout at a time.
How football can help beat lonliness
Football on Prescription is part of a growing recognition that health isn’t only medical. The NHS prescribes millions of antidepressants each year, but medication alone can’t solve the deeper issues of isolation, inequality and stress that many people experience.
Social prescribing that links patients to community activities in sport, arts or nature is being successfully implemented worldwide. Seen this way, a match ticket is more than an afternoon’s entertainment – it’s about giving people a reason to get out and connect with others.
Getting active
The Forest Green Rovers match tickets also come with information on how to join walking football or five-a-side sessions, to encourage patients to take the next step into more social and physical activity.
Dr. Simon Opher says: “This initiative brings two ideas together - the health benefits of physical activity and the healing power of community. It’s football as medicine.”
Research shows that physical activity improves mental health and community connection reduces feelings of loneliness but for many people, especially those facing isolation or mild mental health challenges, starting a new activity can feel daunting.
Walking football provide a friendly, welcoming way back into exercise, while five-a-side sessions are better suited for those with a good level of fitness.
Want to try walking football?
There are walking football clubs throughout the UK. Find your nearest one online.
If you live near Stroud, the Stroud Walking Football Club welcomes newcomers with open arms. Everyone can play regardless of ability and it costs just £2.60 per session. Don’t forget to bring along your Football on Prescription card if you’ve been given one by your GP.
Together, let’s take on loneliness - one game at a time.
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