Premier League clubs unite to tackle stigma around suicide
By Mental Health Correspondent
All 20 Premier League clubs are joining a campaign to raise awareness of suicide prevention and encourage fans to talk about their mental health.
The Premier League’s Together Against Suicide initiative will run from 4 to 14 September, with clubs providing dedicated spaces at home matches where supporters can have conversations in a safe and non-judgemental environment.
Fans will also be directed towards trusted organisations and support services.
The campaign was launched last season with 11 clubs taking part.
Following the pilot, Samaritans recorded up to 300 additional calls to its national helpline each day, highlighting the impact of raising awareness and making support easier to find.
The initiative has been developed with suicide prevention charity Samaritans, with support from broadcaster Roman Kemp and Tottenham Hotspur CEO Vinai Venkatesham. The Department of Health and Social Care is also involved as part of efforts to improve access to mental health support and tackle male suicide.
Richard Masters, Premier League Chief Executive, said football could play an important role in helping people talk about difficult issues.
“We want more supporters to know that help is available, and they never have to face these challenges on their own,” he said.
Samaritans Chief Executive Julie Bentley said creating safe places to talk could make a significant difference.
“We know that having a safe space to talk can be life-changing,” she said.
The Premier League says more than 3,000 club and League staff, as well as fans, have received suicide prevention training through its wider mental health work.
The campaign comes as figures show someone in the UK dies by suicide every 90 minutes, while one in four people experience suicidal thoughts during their lifetime.
A dedicated section of the Premier League website will provide information on recognising when someone may be struggling and details of support services available in the UK and internationally.
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Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper said sports clubs could play a “powerful role” in reaching people who may otherwise struggle to seek help.
The expansion means supporters that every Premier League club will have access to the initiative during the 2026/27 season.
Anyone who is struggling to cope, or is worried about someone else, can contact Samaritans free of charge, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by calling 116 123 or visiting www.samaritans.org.
If you or someone else is experiencing a mental health crisis you can visit NHS 111 Online, or call NHS 111 and select the mental health option for 24-hour urgent advice and support.
