NOTICE
Changes in behaviour, withdrawing from people, hopelessness or signs that somebody is struggling can be a reason to check in. You do not need to diagnose them.
MENTAL HEALTH & SUICIDE PREVENTION
YOU'RE NOT ON YOUR OWN.
Football is a community. Sometimes being on someone's side means noticing they are struggling, starting an honest conversation and helping them find the right support.
Football Talk supports the principles behind On Your Side, the new suicide-prevention guidance for sport backed by The Royal Foundation and developed with the British Standards Institution and Chasing the Stigma. The guidance is for everyone in sport — including players, coaches, parents, officials and supporters.
ASK & LISTEN
Start an honest conversation. Give them time, listen without judgement and take what they tell you seriously. You do not need to have all the answers.
HELP THEM CONNECT
Encourage them towards appropriate support. The Hub of Hope can help find mental-health services, and Samaritans is available day or night.
About On Your Side
On Your Side is suicide-prevention guidance for the sporting community. It focuses on recognising warning signs, having conversations — including asking directly about suicide when appropriate — and helping someone reach further support.
Football Talk is signposting this initiative because football reaches people in every part of life. We are not presenting ourselves as an official partner of The Royal Foundation, BSI or Chasing the Stigma.
NEED HELP RIGHT NOW?
If you or somebody else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
You can call Samaritans free on 116 123, 24 hours a day. You can also use the Hub of Hope to find mental-health support near you.
Football Talk provides signposting and general information only. It is not a medical, counselling or emergency service and this page is not a substitute for professional advice or emergency care.