- Premier League launches new initiative
- Supporting fans affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts
- English teams join new matchday pilot scheme
On Wednesday, the Premier League and suicide prevention charity Samaritans launched the ‘Together Against Suicide’ project – something that has been backed by all 20 clubs in the English top flight. The initiative launches on World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) and has been developed by the Premier League in collaboration with broadcaster Roman Kemp and Tottenham Hotspur CEO Vinai Venkatesham. The Premier League is funding 11 clubs to provide bespoke support for fans at home matchdays across the 2025-26 season.
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.”
Tottenham Hotspur CEO Vinai Venkatesham added: “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. I’d like to thank the Premier League and all 20 clubs for their support in shaping this initiative, and in particular Roman Kemp who came up with the idea that we see launching today. Sadly, suicide affects more people than many of us realise and this initiative sees the Premier League and clubs coming together to support fans – whether through safe spaces at stadiums or helping them access expert advice wherever they are. We want fans to understand that one conversation can make all the difference, and that they can turn to their clubs for support when they need it most.”
Recent data shows that someone in the United Kingdom takes their own life every 90 minutes, and one in four people have had suicidal thoughts. This new Premier League pilot project begins on Saturday, September 13, and will see clubs providing tailored environments to offer fans the opportunity to talk in safe, non-judgemental settings, as well as directing them to trusted support organisations. The clubs involved so far are: Arsenal, Aston Villa, Brentford, Brighton, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Tottenham, West Ham, Wolves, and Southampton.
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. For more information, click here.
TV personality Kemp added, “As football fans, we are always there for our clubs. This initiative was created with the intention of flipping it on its head so clubs can be there for fans when they need it the most. As someone who has felt the impact of suicide and talked about experiencing suicidal thoughts myself, I know that the sense of community football brings can be used to help those in need and help save lives. I’m so proud to work on an initiative that puts compassion and connection at the heart of football and on something I really believe will make a difference to the fans that need it. A huge thank you to Vinai Venkatesham, who’s been working tirelessly to get this going, and to the Premier League for making this happen and getting the backing of all 20 Premier League clubs.”
