Simon Says, Let’s Talk: Podcast-on-Prescription
Simon Says, Let’s Talk is a not-for-profit Podcast-on-Prescription series, supported by
If you would like to sponsor an episode or invite us to record a session for your community, please contact us.
SIMON SAYS, LET’S TALK: IN CONVERSATION WITH…
The One With Andy Burnham: Podcast-on-Prescription
Simon Says, Let’s Talk: Episode 1
Dr Simon Opher MP in conversation with…
Andy Burnham, Mayor of Manchester + Lu Jackson, Founder of Craic Health
Music playlist by Andy Burnham
“Music for Men to remaster themselves to: run with Kings of the North”
Ep. 1 IS SPONSORED BY THE LAURA KINSELLA FOUNDATION
SIMON SAYS, LET’S TALK IS SUPPORTED BY
THE SIMON SAYS, LET’S TALK PLAYER: MUSIC PLAYLISTS BY MEN, FOR MEN
What happens when the video podcast is over?
Keep connected through music playlists made by our guests, founders, and sponsors.
When social prescription activities finish, the next step matters. Creative health providers often help people find something to move on to — something that keeps them active, connected and supported.
Our playlists are part of that next step: a simple way to stay engaged after the series. Made by men, for men, each playlist is personally created by the guest, offering a soundtrack to their chosen theme.
Music For Men Playlists, created by our podcast guests
Music playlist by Andy Burnham
“Music for Men toremaster themselves to: run with Kings of the North”
(Andy featured in Ep. 1 of the Simon Says, Let’s Talk podcast)
Music playlist by Robbie Savage (Forest Green Rovers)
“Music for Men to workout to”
(Robbie featured in Ep. 3 of the Simon Says, Let’s Talk podcast)
Music playlist by Dr Phil Hammond (Comedian GP)
“Music for Men to match their mood! ”
(Dr Phil featured in Ep. 4 of the Simon Says, Let’s Talk podcast)
Music playlist by Tom Findlay (Groove Armada)
“Music for Men to have Better Daysto”
(Tom featured in Ep. 5 of the Simon Says, Let’s Talk podcast)
Music playlist by The Rt Hon. Ian Murray MP
“Music for Men to get moving to - the best of the Scots ”
(Ian featured in Ep. 6 of the Simon Says, Let’s Talk podcast, live at SXSW London)
Music for Men by Jake Jefferson (Creative Wave Entertainment)
“Music for Men to create to”
(Jake featured in Ep. 6 of the Simon Says, Let’s Talk podcast, live at SXSW London)
Music For Men playlists, created by our podcast co-founders
Music playlist by Dr simon Opher MP
“Music for Men toreset to”
Music playlist by Brimscombe Mill
“Music for Men to be empowered by”
Music playlist by Craic Health
“Music for Men to laugh to (top comedians + movies”
Music For Men playlists, created by our podcast sponsors
Music playlist by Laura Kinsella Foundation
“Music for Men to reflect to”
Music playlist by Mental Health Matters
“Music for Men to keep going to”
ABOUT SIMON SAYS, LET’S TALK
WHAT’S THE STORY WITH MEN’S HEALTH? RELATED STATS
| Issue | Stat (concise) | Region | Sources |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suicide |
75% of suicides in the UK are male (≈3× the rate of women). Northern Ireland: 28.5% most deprived vs 13.1% least deprived. Scotland: 2.5× higher in most deprived areas. Young people (13–24, 2024): Trans men 72% considered; 30% attempted. Trans women 68% considered; 23% attempted. |
UK | NSPA • NISRA • NRS • Trevor Project |
| Drug-related deaths | 2024: 3,710 male vs 1,855 female — over double in men. | England & Wales | ONS bulletin |
| Alcohol-specific deaths | 2024: 9,809 deaths — 20.2/100k men vs 9.7/100k women. | UK | ONS bulletin |
| Living alone | Increase in men living alone: +415k vs women +204k (2023). | UK | ONS 2023 |
| Living with parents | 20–34 year-olds: 33% men vs 22% women (2023). | UK | ONS 2023 |
| Single / intimacy |
63% of men under 30 single vs 34% of women (US). 30% of men 18–24 reported no sex in past year (up from 19%). Rising porn-linked ED & delayed ejaculation under 40. |
US | Pew Research • Lei & South (2021) • Dwulit & Rzymski (2019) |
| Higher education | By age 19: 54% women vs 40% men in higher education. | UK | House of Commons Library (2024) |
| NEET (16–24) | Jan–Mar 2026: 1.012m total — 553k male vs 459k female; 14.4% men vs 12.5% women. | UK | ONS (2026) |
| Prison population | 96% men, 4% women in prison (2025). | UK | MoJ Data |
| Domestic violence | ~75% victims are women; ~90% perpetrators are men. | England & Wales | ONS (2024) |
| Mental health crisis | By 2030, depression projected to be leading global cause of illness. | Global | WHO (EB130/9) |
| Cost to society | Mental ill health costs England ~£300bn per year. | England | Centre for Mental Health (2024) |
| Antidepressant use |
~10.7m adults (~1/5). England: 8.9m; Scotland: 1m; NI: 391k; Wales: 520k (2024/25). |
UK | NHSBSA • BSO (NI) • Gov Scot • Gov Wales |
| Prevention (social prescribing) | £2.14–£8.56 return per £1 invested (reduced GP, A&E, hospital visits). | England | NASP/NHS review |
Media note: If covering suicide-related issues, please consider Samaritans’ media guidelines on reporting.
“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.”
- The National Academy for Social Prescribing (NASP) evidence review publication (Commissioned by NHS)