Premier League launches 'Together Against Suicide' initiative | OneFootball

The Premier League has today launched ‘Together Against Suicide’, a new initiative to support fans affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts, helping raise awareness of the information and expertise available to those who need it most.

‘Together Against Suicide’ is backed by Leeds United and all other Premier League clubs and has been created with suicide prevention charity Samaritans, who provide people in the UK with free, 24/7 emotional support. Recent data shows that someone in the UK takes their own life every 90 minutes, and one in four people have had suicidal thoughts.

The initiative launches on World Suicide Prevention Day, with an online hub created 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.

Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: “Sadly, suicide is an issue that affects people of all ages from all backgrounds. We believe football can play a vital role in reducing the stigma around it and connecting fans who are experiencing suicidal thoughts with the support they need.

“By working with clubs and partners to develop ‘Together Against Suicide’, we want fans to understand that they do not have to deal with their problems alone.

“There are many ways for people to have the conversations that can have a positive impact on their mental wellbeing, whether this is by utilising the matchday services that are being launched by clubs this weekend, speaking to family and friends or by contacting Samaritans or other experts in this area for confidential advice.

“This is about using the power of football to help save lives and we urge fans to look after themselves and those they care about.”

As part of the initiative, Samaritans will provide training to club staff to ensure they feel equipped and supported to lead suicide prevention activity with fans. The 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.

The ‘Together Against Suicide’ initiative will be visible at all Premier League matches this weekend, helping to raise awareness of help available to a global audience.

The latest survey data from Samaritans reveals that 60 per cent of people had their suicidal thoughts interrupted by someone close to them, such as a friend or family member, demonstrating the importance of taking the time to talk to others who you think might be struggling.

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.”