Premier League clubs to offer tailored support on home matchdays, helping fans access trusted support in safe, non-judgemental environments
The Premier League and its clubs will come together between 4 and 14 September to highlight the League's Together Against Suicide initiative, which uses the power and reach of football to encourage conversations around suicide prevention and help reduce the stigma that can prevent people from seeking support.
Premier League funding will enable all 20 Premier League clubs to offer tailored environments at home matchdays during the 2026/27 season, providing fans with the opportunity to talk in safe, non-judgemental settings, while also signposting them to trusted support organisations and services. This League wide support builds on a successful pilot programme involving 11 clubs last season.
Developed in partnership with suicide prevention charity Samaritans, and with support from broadcaster Roman Kemp and Tottenham Hotspur CEO, Vinai Venkatesham, Together Against Suicide helps raise awareness of the information and expertise available to those who need it most.
The Department of Health and Social Care is also a partner in the Together Against Suicide initiative, working to tackle male suicide and increase access to and understanding of mental health support as part of its Men’s Health Strategy. This builds on the government's national Suicide Prevention Strategy which identifies actions to reduce lives lost to suicide.
Someone in the UK takes their own life every 90 minutes, while one in four people will experience suicidal thoughts in their lifetime. Through Together Against Suicide, the Premier League and its clubs aims to help more people recognise when someone may be struggling and provide them with the tools to feel confident starting a conversation that could make a difference.
Following the launch of Together Against Suicide in September 2025, Samaritans recorded up to 300 more callers to its national helpline each day. This increase in calls highlights the real impact that raising awareness can have.
Football clubs are at the heart of their communities and can play a powerful role in helping people during difficult times. The expansion of Together Against Suicide to all 20 Premier League clubs is an important step forward. By creating safe, welcoming spaces on matchdays, clubs can encourage conversations and help supporters affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts access the support and expert advice they need. The response to last season’s pilot programme showed the difference that raising awareness and encouraging conversations can make. By expanding this initiative across the League, we want more supporters to know that help is available, and they never have to face these challenges on their own. We are proud to continue working alongside Samaritans and our clubs on this important initiative, demonstrating how football can help tackle stigma and make a positive difference.
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters
The Premier League has a long-standing commitment to supporting mental health and wellbeing through its clubs and community programmes. Working alongside Samaritans and other partners in the space, it has supported more than 3,000 Premier League and club staff, as well as fans, with training around suicide prevention, supporting conversations that help improve people’s understanding of the issue and reminding them that suicide is preventable.
We know that having a safe space to talk can be life-changing. Through Together Against Suicide, football clubs are creating opportunities for supporters to have conversations without fear of judgement and to learn where they can find support. The response to last season's pilot showed the positive impact football can have in reaching people who may otherwise struggle in silence. We are delighted to see all 20 Premier League clubs involved this season as we continue working together to raise awareness of suicide prevention and remind people that they do not have to face their hardest times alone.
Samaritans Chief Executive Julie Bentley
The Premier League's website includes a dedicated Together Against Suicide area which provides fans with information on how they can help themselves or others who might be having suicidal thoughts. The website offers support and referral information to services in the UK and internationally, helping fans access expert advice and assistance wherever they are. More information can be found at: premierleague.com/togetheragainstsuicide.
Every suicide is devastating, resulting in a tragic loss of life and having a profound impact on families, friends and communities. Reaching those who are struggling where they are is vital, and we’ve already seen the powerful role that sports clubs can play. The Premier League touches millions of people’s lives every week, and it is fantastic to have all 20 clubs now showing such important leadership. As part of the men’s health strategy, we said we wanted to work with sports clubs, businesses and community organisations to support mental health and suicide prevention. We want as many organisations as possible to be involved in ensuring that everyone gets the support they need.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Yvette Cooper
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.
-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:
Matchday activations
All Premier League matches between 4 and 14 September will feature in-stadium activations, including:
- LED boards promoting Samaritans’ 24/7 phone line and local support services
- Big screen and PA messaging to make fans aware of the initiative
- Matchday programme features
About the Premier League
The Premier League produces some of the most competitive and compelling football in the world. The League and its clubs use the power and popularity of the competition to inspire fans, communities and partners in the UK and across the world. The Premier League brings people together from all backgrounds. It is a competition for everyone, everywhere and is available to watch in 1.2 billion homes in 189 countries.
About Samaritans
- Every 10 seconds, Samaritans responds to a call for help.
- Samaritans volunteers are available round-the-clock to listen and support people. They won’t judge or tell you what to do.
- Anyone in crisis can contact Samaritans, free, any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. This number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or you can visit samaritans.org
- Samaritans is a charity and it is the public’s kind donations and around 23,000 volunteers that mean we are always there for anyone struggling to cope. Find out how you can support us or volunteer with us.