Please be aware the following news article does refer to suicidal thoughts and suicide. Support is available. Samaritans are open 24/7 for anyone who needs to talk: 116 123 (freephone).

Today is World Suicide Prevention Day; a day every year where organisations globally come together to raise awareness about suicide. The Premier League has today announced ‘Together Against Suicide’ in collaboration with Roman Kemp.

This new initiative is to support fans affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts, helping raise awareness of information and expertise to those who need it most.

The pilot project begins on Saturday 13 September and will see Arsenal, Aston Villa, Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton providing tailored environments to offer fans the opportunity to talk in safe, non-judgemental settings, as well as directing them to trusted support organisations. Alongside this, Samaritans will provide training to club staff to ensure they feel equipped and supported to lead suicide prevention activity with fans. The League is also funding club subscriptions to R;pple, a digital tool that discreetly intercepts harmful online searches and signposts users to free, 24/7 mental health support.

Roman Kemp said: “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.”

The ‘Together Against Suicide’ initiative will be visible at all Premier League matches this weekend, helping to raise awareness of help available to a global audience.

Visit premierleague.com/togetheragainstsuicide for more information.