Dr Simon Opher MP delivers powerful question on comedy to UK Prime Minster Keir Starmer
Wow💥 ! A massive thank you to Dr Simon Opher MP who today powerfully and passionately asked Prime Minster Keir Starmer to explore how comedy can help improve mental outcomes for patients, without the need for antidepressants.
Last week I invited Dr Simon, Jack Gamble and Tom Walker (Jonathan Pie) to join my Comedy-on-Prescription panel at SXSW London. I look forward to posting the video soon, including an exclusive Jonathan Pie video for all of us on LinkedIn + a special announcement by Comedy Army troops Jojo Sutherland and Ali Anselmo.
👉 Is comedy as healthcare on the NHS a joke? 👈
The total cost of mental ill-health in England in 2022 was £300 billion (NHS Confederation’s Mental Health Network report -Centre for Mental Health).
In 2011, the World Health Organization “projected that by 2030 mental health problems (particularly depression) will be the leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally”.
🫴 Creative health offers formidable solutions. Dr Simon Opher is a pioneer of social prescribing and his PMQ today announced that, after 14 years, mental health waiting lists are falling. How is this possible?...
The National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) evidence review publication, commissioned by NHS England, found that social prescribing schemes can deliver between £2.14 and £8.56 for every £1 invested, by reducing pressure on the NHS. This includes reductions in GP appointments, hospital admissions and A&E visits for people who have been referred to social prescribing.
“A large body of evidence shows that taking part in creative and expressive activities, including through social prescribing, can lead to a wide range of benefits including increased social interaction, decreased stress, adoption of healthy behaviours, and improved outcomes such as skills and employment.” - NASP.
🫱 Laughter has proven mental health, chemical and social benefits. So the real joke isn’t why comedy should be integrated into NHS policy — it’s that it hasn’t been already.
Is there someone your team or perhaps a friend or family member who might benefit from Comedy-on-Prescription? Learn more about the evidence of laughter or search for specialty or free comedy events or facilitators providing them. Craic Health's website is but at chapter 1 of a much bigger build. Stay tuned 💛 .
Thank you to Dr Simon Opher's team Sufyan Ahmed + Lois Hinder. Well done to all the people working tirelessly in creative health — it's been a total privilege to connect with many of you — what a great step forward today! 💫
11 June, 2025: Spending review? Very much needed for the comedy industry please!
