During tonight’s game between Chelsea and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge, we are bringing together our Samaritans and Chelsea F.C. partnership once again to encourage football fans to open up about their mental health and #TalkMoreThanFootball.
#TalkMoreThanFootball sees Vinnie interrupt the Chelsea dressing room to deliver a poignant message on mental health to Chelsea players Cole Palmer, Nicolas Jackson, Robert Sanchez and Alfie Gilchrist.
#TalkMoreThanFootball follows new research of 2,000 UK football fans which found that over two-thirds (67%) of football fans have struggled with their mental health, whilst one-in-three have never spoken to anyone about it. What’s more, only a tiny fraction (6%) of football fans admit to talking about their mental wellbeing with people they watch or play sport with. The ‘team talk’ serves as a poignant reminder to reach out to friends and loved ones and start that conversation.
To help deliver a tangible impact to the football community, we will be running mental health training for football fans up and down the country to help them start a conversation and better support those around them. This will be made possible by Three, The Chelsea Foundation, and Samaritans.
How can you support Samaritans?
Every 90 minutes – the length of a football match – someone in the UK and Ireland dies by suicide. But talking saves lives and Samaritans’ volunteers are there for anyone struggling to cope, day or night. You can help Samaritans continue to be there for anyone who is going through a difficult time. Donating £10 could help answer a call that could save a life.
Alternatively, text TALKMORE to 70470 to donate £5.
Texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message
Find out more here.
