Suicide prevention: Football can create 'moment of human connection'

The Chief Executive of Samaritans highlighted how a “moment of human connection can be all it takes to save a life” this week as football clubs and managers united to support World Suicide Prevention Day.

The annual awareness day on September 10th saw the Premier League announce that it will fund 11 clubs for a new pilot project providing bespoke support for fans at home matchdays this season. This is part of the new Together Against Suicide initiative created in partnership with Samaritans.

Meanwhile Jurgen Klopp, Pep Guardiola and Eddie Howe were among the high-profile names supporting the Shining a Light on Suicide campaign run by NHS Greater Manchester and supported by the League Managers Association (LMA). Read more at itv.com

TRUSTED

Recent data shows that someone in the UK takes their own life every 90 minutes, and one in four people have had suicidal thoughts.

Through the Together Against Suicide initiative, clubs will create tailored environments to offer fans the opportunity to talk in safe, non-judgemental settings, as well as directing them to trusted support organisations.

The Premier League has also created an online hub which includes information on signs and symptoms for people to look for if they are concerned about how they or someone else is feeling. The hub offers support and referral information to both domestic and international services. Visit premierleague.com/togetheragainstsuicide for more information.

Julie Bentley, Chief Executive at Samaritans, said: “One in four of us experience suicidal thoughts but suicide is not inevitable. Suicidal thoughts can be interrupted and a moment of human connection can be all it takes to save a life. Our volunteers answer a call for help every 10 seconds but we can’t prevent suicide alone – we are all on the same team and everyone has a role to play.

“Together Against Suicide is an amazing opportunity to reach thousands of people with the important message that it’s okay to talk more openly about suicide. By tackling societal stigma and creating more sources of support for those in crisis, this initiative will help us save lives.”

New Tottenham CEO Vinai Venkatesham helped to develop the initiative along with broadcaster Roman Kemp. He commented: “Together Against Suicide is a significant step in recognising the role that football can play in raising awareness of mental health issues and supporting people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts.”

LISTENING

As an example of how clubs are supporting the campaign, the Haringey branch of mental health charity Mind has partnered with Spurs support to those affected by suicide or experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Arsenal will team up with the North London NHS Foundation Trust to pilot a matchday mental health drop-in service, while Brighton will offer an extensive training programme for fans to introduce Samaritan listening skills. Brentford’s campaign ‘Talking is the Best Tactic’ highlights the importance of conversation, and Everton in the Community will support the campaign through their renowned mental health provision which includes a purpose-built mental health and wellbeing hub. Wolves Foundation will launch a campaign in collaboration with its Head for Health programme and Samaritans.

The Premier League is also funding club subscriptions to R;pple a digital tool that discreetly intercepts harmful online searches and signposts users to free, 24/7 mental health support.