Simon Says, Let’s Talk is a new creative health series breaking the silence around men’s mental health. Hosted by Dr Simon Opher MBE (GP), each live podcast invites leading UK talent to share their stores and practical tools to strengthen mental fitness.

A proportion of the tickets are socially prescribed via local GPs and link workers and the rest are available for general sale.

The Episodes

Simon Says in conversation with Andy Burnham & Lu Jackson

Andy Burnham joins Simon Says, Let’s Talk to explore why men’s mental health needs a different kind of response, why support does not only happen in clinics, and how comedy, sport, culture and community can help people talk before they reach crisis point.

Andy Burnham is the Mayor of Greater Manchester and former Health Secretary. In this conversation with Dr Simon Opher and Lou Jackson from Craic Health, he shares learning from Greater Manchester’s Live Well approach and reflects on how everyday social connection, physical activity and creative interventions can lift people and take pressure off their shoulders.

He explains:
◾ Why men are often having conversations in football clubs, comedy rooms and support groups that they would never have at home, at work or with their GP
◾ Why social prescribing needs to include culture, sport, comedy and the arts as part of how we support people
◾ Why physical activity has been missold as only being about physical health, when its biggest benefit may be the instant lift it gives to mood
◾ Why young men need hope, purpose and routes to confidence beyond the traditional academic path
◾ Why the future of men’s mental health depends on openness, connection and helping people help each other differently

Simon Says in conversation with Robbie Savage and Dale Vince

“The most important thing is to talk, you never know what someone is going through.” — Robbie Savage

Football, pressure and the power of talking.
Robbie Savage and Dale Vince join Dr Simon Opher for an honest, funny and deeply personal conversation about men’s mental health.
They explore the pressures behind professional football, coping with setbacks, social media and finding the courage to speak up.
A powerful reminder that even the strongest among us need people they can trust and that talking can change everything.

Simon Says in conversation with Dr Phil Hammond

“Do what you’re good at, do what you enjoy, and try to be a decent man.” — Dr Phil Hammond

Packed with health, humour and honesty, Simon 'In Conversation With' GP doctor and comedian Dr Phil Hammond on why laughter matters and how comedy can help people talk about the serious stuff. Recorded live at Brimscombe Mill.

Simon Says in conversation with Tom Walker

Ahead of his UK tour, 'The End of The World according to Jonathan Pie', Simon 'In Conversation With' comedian, writer, and actor Tom Walker. This is a candid, funny, and deep discussion, recorded live at Brimscombe Mill.

Simon Says in conversation with Tom Walker & Tom Findlay in Parliament

Music, therapy, and comedy meet. Simon 'In Conversation With' Tom Findlay (Groove Armada), who talks about becoming a CBT psychotherapist, and Tom Walker (Jonathan Pie), who returns to the series for this special world first: Podcast-on-Prescription recorded live at UK Parliament.

The Format

Each episode is a 90-minute live conversation between Dr Simon Opher and a well-known guest, honest, unscripted, and recorded in front of a live audience. A proportion of every audience receives their ticket through NHS social prescribing, referred directly by a GP or link worker. All episodes are free to enable those not in the room to benefit.

Group of four people sitting on stools in front of a backdrop covered in handwritten words related to health, relationships, and emotions, likely at an event or discussion.

Andy Burnham & Lu Jackson

Andy Burnham on the loneliness challenge. Sponsored by The Laura Kinsella Foundation.

Five conversations, filmed in front of a live audience

A man with glasses and gray hair wearing a dark blazer and holding a book, seated next to a different man with brown hair speaking into a microphone, during a discussion or interview. They are in a room with a large colorful word cloud shaped like a head on the wall behind them, and a standing lamp providing light. Several people are seated in front of them, watching the conversation.

Tom Walker (Jonathan Pie)

Jonathan Pie on why men don’t talk about the things that matter. Sponsored by The Laura Kinsella Foundation.

Three men standing close together with their arms around each other, smiling for the camera, in front of a colorful wall with words related to relationships and feelings.

Robbie Savage & Dale Vince

A candid conversation about football, loneliness, social media, pressure, and the importance of connection in men's mental health.

Two men are sitting on stage in front of an audience, participating in a discussion. One man is speaking into a microphone while the other is holding a microphone and listening. Behind them is a colorful wall with words related to relationships, health, and life experiences arranged within a lightbulb-shaped design. The setting appears to be indoors with stage lighting and an audience of various ages seated in front.

Dr Phil Hammond

A funny and touching personal conversation where humour is key to the story and Phil’s personal journey has shaped his career.

Four people sitting on chairs in front of a decorative backdrop with words related to health, relationships, and personal growth, with part of a plant visible on the left side of the image.

Tom Findlay and Tom Walker

Recorded in Parliament, celebrating the creative spirit of reinvention and using the worst of times as a drive to change.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Brimscombe Mill get involved in men's mental health?
Poor mental health affects individuals, families and communities. As a place-based social enterprise hub, we believe connection, purpose and belonging are essential parts of wellbeing. Simon Says creates a space where conversations about mental health can happen openly and without stigma.
The series combines live conversations, storytelling and social prescribing. Working alongside the NHS, local GPs can offer tickets to people who may benefit from attending, creating a bridge between healthcare and community support.
Many men find it easier to engage through shared interests such as sport, comedy, music and public life. Hearing trusted voices speak honestly about their own experiences helps normalise conversations about mental health and encourages others to seek support.
The series reflects our whole-person approach to wellbeing. We recognise that mental health is influenced by relationships, community, purpose, identity and opportunity, not just clinical interventions. Simon Says demonstrates the value of bringing together partners from different sectors to respond creatively to complex challenges.
Following five successful events at Brimscombe Mill, Forest Green Rovers and Parliament, a second series is now in development. The aim is to continue building conversations, partnerships and practical solutions that support men's mental health at both a local and national level.
If you’d like to sponsor the next series to extend our reach get in touch with jess@thegracenetwork.org.uk