Wolves have joined fellow Premier League clubs in supporting to the ‘Together Against Suicide’ campaign, helping fans affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts.
Wednesday 10th September is World Suicide Prevention Day and on the same day the Premier League have launched ‘Together Against Suicide’ – a new initiative co-designed with suicide prevention experts to offer specialist support and confidential advice for fans.
Wolves are one of 11 clubs to have received funding through the initiative to raise awareness around mental health, wellbeing and suicide prevention, and the Leeds United game on 20th September will be the club’s dedicated ‘Together Against Suicide’ fixture.
Every 90 minutes someone in the UK takes their own life and suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 50, with key risk factors including social isolation, financial stress, relationship breakdowns and the stigma around seeking help.
Football brings people together and encourages them to have conversations, and the platform of the Premier League, Wolves and the other clubs involved will be used to help reduce stigma and highlight prevention support.
On this initiative the Premier League will be working with Samaritans, who provide people in the UK with 24/7 confidential support, while a ‘Together Against Suicide’ online hub, via premierleague.com, will offer information and support. The Samaritans can be called for free, day or night, on 116 123.
This season Wolves and ten other clubs are taking part in a pilot project, providing support for fans experiencing suicidal thoughts, which will be accessible on Molineux matchdays. Fans can approach any steward and explain that they would like to speak to a member of the Wolves safeguarding team, and a member of the team will come to them.
The activity will provide fans with the opportunity to have a confidential discussion on how they’re feeling and be guided by the support available. This is also an opportunity for friends and family to highlight the activation to anyone they may be concerned about.
Wolves will be working with a range of specialist organisations throughout the project and club staff will be provided with training by Samaritans to listen without judgement and signpost to professional support. The goal is to empower fans to take the first step in seeking help and to foster a culture of care and early intervention.
Chris Roberts, Wolves HR director and mental health champion, said: “Football can play a powerful role in suicide prevention by creating safe, non-clinical spaces where supporters feel comfortable opening up, encouraging peer support through shared activity, and challenging the stigma around mental health in male-dominated environments.
“As part of expanding our wellbeing and safeguarding offer on matchdays, the funding will enhance support for fans during games. In addition to our safeguarding team, four dedicated wellbeing stewards will be present to respond to low-level concerns and provide visible support to children, young people, and adults who may need it, freeing up our safeguarding staff to focus on more complex issues, including mental health and suicide.
“We will also be launching a campaign in collaboration with our Foundation’s Head for Health programme and the Samaritans, aimed at equipping fans and staff with the tools to recognise signs of distress, support those who may be struggling, and promote open conversations using the power of the badge and our brand to help destigmatise mental health.”
If you are anybody you know requires help and support, visit premierleague.com or call the Samaritans for free, day or night, on 116 123.
