Today is World Suicide Prevention Day, and the theme this year from the Samaritans is based around one key message: That suicide is not inevitable, and that suicidal thoughts can be interrupted. That anyone can save a life.
Every 90 minutes, someone in the UK dies by suicide. And one in four people across the UK has had suicidal thoughts.
The message from the Samaritans is that if you think someone might be suicidal then you can take action. Interrupt their thoughts, and show them that you care.
And that is an approach that fits perfectly within one of the key strands of the Together Against Suicide campaign being delivered by Wolves and Wolves Foundation, in partnership with the Samaritans and funded by the Premier League.
Because this evening, for the second time, Wolves are delivering Suicide Awareness Training, a session which will provide supporters with practical skills to be able to support a friend, family member or colleague, or even a fellow fan on a matchday, who may be experiencing emotional distress.
As with the theme of World Suicide Prevention Day, it may just be that a fan having a conversation on a matchday may just have the opportunity to interrupt potentially suicidal thoughts.
From the Wolves angle, it’s all based about three words which form a well-known Black Country phrase: ‘Ow am ya?’
A traditional Black Country greeting, rooted in Wolverhampton’s heritage and identity, it has become the central message of the campaign, offering a warm, familiar way of opening the door to honest conversations about how someone is really feeling.
“It’s all about fans looking out for other fans,” says Lisa Carter, head of safeguarding at Wolves.
“We want to support fans in breaking the stigma about mental health, and to understand how to spot if other fans are struggling.
“It’s about learning simple practical ways to support each other on matchdays, with one of the key messages the power of small talk, that Black Country phrase: ‘Ow Am Ya?’
“It sounds simple, but that quick hello or check in can make someone feel noticed, valued and less alone.”
The club and Foundation previously welcomed 60 fans from across all supporters’ groups to Molineux back in May for a landmark suicide awareness workshop.
And the feedback was hugely positive.
‘Thank you so much for giving a fan the opportunity to participate in such an important event. It has made me consider how I could do more to support others,’ said one fan.
‘Have patience and listen,’ said another. ‘Show that you care.’
‘A fantastic, moving and emotional evening,’ was another comment.
Since the initiative launched, Wolves and Wolves Foundation have worked closely with Samaritans to strengthen support available to supporters on Molineux matchdays, and players wore special warm-up t-shirts to promote the campaign at last season’s home fixture with Newcastle.
The club now has 10 dedicated Wellbeing Stewards, specially trained to recognise signs of emotional distress, engage in supportive conversations and help connect supporters with appropriate safeguarding and specialist support services where needed.
Wolves are one of three Championships clubs joining all 20 Premier League clubs in being part of Together Against Suicide, and offering support for fans on home matchdays and helping them access support in safe and non-judgemental environments.
Currently in the middle of the Premier League’s activation period to increase the spotlight on the campaign, Wolves will mark the initiative by raising awareness at another fixture later in the season.
Will Clowes, director of Wolves Foundation, was also in London last night, attending a joint parliamentary reception to honour World Suicide Prevention Day in the Speakers Rooms at the Houses of Parliament.
The event was supported by all three of the city’s MPs, with Will getting the chance to meet up once again with Pat McFadden, Sureena Brackenridge and Warinder Juss.
All three MPs will be kept up to date with how the initiative progresses at Wolves and are ready to offer their support when they can.
This evening’s training begins at Molineux at 6.15pm and limited places are still available. Please contact Lisa Carter ASAP if interested at lisacarter@wolves.co.uk
Follow: @premierleague | #TogetherAgainstSuicide
