Tottenham Hotspur will be one of 11 clubs delivering the pilot project during the 2025/26 season, working alongside Mind in Haringey. Staff from the charity will be based at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium during all Premier League matches across the season, beginning with our match against Wolves on Saturday 27 September, reachable at the end of a text service (available on WhatsApp 07399 928274) and available to meet confidentially with anyone who requires support on the day. The service will also be available outside of home matchdays, with fans directed to a dedicated hub on Mind in Haringey’s website for out of hours support.
Mind in Haringey uses recognised psychological scales to ensure all interventions are recorded and to assess the mental state of an individual. This includes a follow-up or check-in to ensure that the individual has received relevant support and that the intervention has reduced their suicide risk.
Over the last 10 years, Mind in Haringey has developed expertise in being able to engage and support people across a variety of settings and were heavily involved in implementing the Club’s own internal health and wellbeing strategy for staff. Mind in Haringey will continue to provide workshops to club staff around the signs to look out for if they or somebody they know is experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Vinai Venkatesham, Chief Executive of Tottenham Hotspur, said: “Together Against Suicide is a significant step in recognising the role that football can play in raising awareness of mental health issues and supporting people who are experiencing suicidal thoughts. I’d like to thank the Premier League and all 20 Clubs for their support in shaping this initiative over the past year, and in particular Roman Kemp who came up with the idea that we see launching today.
“Sadly, suicide affects more people than many of us realise, and this initiative sees the Premier League and clubs coming together to support fans – whether through safe spaces at stadiums or helping them access expert advice wherever they are. We want fans to understand that one conversation can make all the difference, and that they can turn to their clubs for support when they need it most.”
Broadcaster Roman Kemp, advocate for ‘Together Against Suicide’, 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.”
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Masters said: “Sadly, suicide is an issue that affects people of all ages from all backgrounds. We believe football can play a vital role in reducing the stigma around it and connecting fans who are experiencing suicidal thoughts with the support they need.
“By working with clubs and partners to develop ‘Together Against Suicide’, we want fans to understand that they do not have to deal with their problems alone.
“There are many ways for people to have the conversations that can have a positive impact on their mental wellbeing, whether this is by utilising the matchday services that are being launched by clubs this weekend, speaking to family and friends or by contacting Samaritans or other experts in this area for confidential advice.
“This is about using the power of football to help save lives and we urge fans to look after themselves and those they care about.”
Lynette Charles, Chief Executive of Mind in Haringey, said: “Mind in Haringey is delighted to be partnering with Spurs to provide matchday support to fans, bringing the football community together against suicide.
“Unfortunately, suicide is something that impacts many of us in the Haringey community, at Mind in Haringey we have been working for many years to prevent this through initiatives such as the Haringey Suicide Prevention Group and the Safe Haven Crisis Hub. We look forward to bringing our expertise in this area to matchdays at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, ensuring that fans are supported in the same way they support their team.''
In addition to the Club's support for 'Together Against Suicide', Tottenham Hotspur Foundation works throughout our local community around suicide prevention as an active member of the Enfield Suicide Prevention Steering Group, a group that develops strategic plans for suicide prevention, informed by local data and emerging trends.
The Club is also a supporter of ‘Legend-on-the-Bench’, a charity set up by our former midfielder Micky Hazard that aims to build a bench in every park in the UK with a QR code directing people to 24-hour support services. One of these benches resides at Tottenham Community Sports Centre opposite our Stadium.
Last year, we announced the creation of the first Official Supporters’ Club for NHS staff, and will be working with the group on activities in support of ‘Together Against Suicide’.
Visit premierleague.com/togetheragainstsuicide for more information.