Character's creator in a podcast available on the NHS

Doctors are to prescribe a podcast featuring Jonathan Pie creator Tom Walker on the NHS.

GPs in Gloucestershire will be recommending some of their male go to a recording of the new in-conversation show, which is at helping them ‘finding pathways to a meaningful life’.

Simon Says, Let’s Talk is hosted by Simon Opher – a GP and a Labour MP who champions the cause of  ‘social prescribing’,  which connects people with activities that might be good for them. He has campaigned for comedy to be included through the Craic Health group,

He said: ‘Social isolation is one of the greatest risks to our health and men in particular find it hard to talk— in the UK, men die bysuicide at three times the rate of women.

‘My hope with the Simon Says, Let’s Talk series is to help men realise they’re not alone — creating open spaces where leading voices share how they manage their own mental fitness. 

‘Through arts, culture and sport, we can support men’s mental health as well as overall wellbeing — and remind people that connection itself is medicine.’

His conversation with Walker will take place at the Brimscombe Mill in Stroud on November 20 and is free to attend, even. without a prescription. It will be released as a video and audio podcast later.  Reserve a space here. 

Published: 13 Oct 2025