Tottenham Hotspur have teamed up with Samaritans and the Premier League’s Together Against Suicide initiative to release a powerful new short film aimed at breaking the stigma around asking for help during mental health struggles.
The campaign comes at a crucial time, with new research commissioned by the club revealing that 58% of people experiencing mental health difficulties would be reluctant to seek support, while one in five (20%) say they are finding the current festive period tougher than last year.
Why So Many People Struggle to Ask for Help
According to the findings, barriers to reaching out remain deeply ingrained. Among those hesitant to pick up the phone:
These figures highlight why initiatives like this remain vital, particularly during winter and the lead-up to Christmas, when isolation and emotional pressure often increase.
A Film That Reflects Real-Life Avoidance
The short film, now available across Tottenham Hotspur’s digital platforms, centres on a young male football fan, played by Elliot Eason, who is visibly battling his mental health while trying to suppress his emotions.
Throughout the film, a stark white phone box appears wherever he goes — a symbolic representation of the Samaritans call he is actively avoiding. Eventually, he steps inside and makes the call, with the relief of finally reaching out clearly written across his face.
The film features appearances from both the men’s and women’s teams, including Head Coaches Thomas Frank and Martin Ho, alongside Bethany England, Ben Davies and Archie Gray, as well as the voice of a real-life Samaritans volunteer. It was shot on location in N17, with scenes filmed at Seven Sisters Market and the Antwerp Arms, a much-loved local community pub.
Football, Community and Open Conversation
Later this week, Spurs will also collaborate with The Fighting Cock podcast to host a special episode focused on open conversations around mental health. The panel will include comedian and lifelong Spurs fan Josh James, club legend and mental health advocate Micky Hazard, and a volunteer from Samaritans.
Fans will be encouraged to phone in and share their own stories, particularly moments where reaching out for support made a positive difference — reinforcing the campaign’s central message that asking for help can be life-changing.
Matchday Support at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
At Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Liverpool, photographers Life In The South Stand will offer fans the chance to take personal or group portraits alongside the white phone box featured in the film. Supporters are encouraged to share the images on social media to help spread awareness around mental health and suicide prevention.
Additionally, helpline cards with messages of support will be distributed throughout the stadium to fans of both teams.
This campaign builds on Spurs’ ongoing work with the Premier League and Together Against Suicide, including the launch of a matchday mental health support service delivered by Mind in Haringey. Since September, the service has received more than 100 contacts, with several interventions described as potentially life-saving.
“Support Is There for You”
Tottenham Hotspur CEO Vinai Venkatesham, who co-created Together Against Suicide alongside broadcaster Roman Kemp, said:
“At Spurs, we want to break the stigma that exists around people not reaching out for the support they need for fear of being judged. Premier League football has a huge platform to show how making that first call can make all the difference. We’re extremely proud to be working with Samaritans to convey this message.”
He added that the club hopes the film and associated activity will spark conversations among football fans nationwide in the run-up to Christmas.
Sonya Trivedy, Executive Director of External Engagement at Samaritans, echoed the importance of visibility:
“One in four of us will have suicidal thoughts, so it’s vital we tackle the stigma that stops people from seeking support. That first conversation can feel frightening, but it’s the most important one. Last year, our volunteers answered more than a quarter of a million calls over the festive period — including Christmas Day.”
Where Fans Can Find Support
Staff from Mind in Haringey are present at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for all Premier League home games and can be contacted confidentially via WhatsApp on 07399 928274. Support is also available outside matchdays through Mind in Haringey’s online hub.
For anyone struggling, Samaritans are available 24/7, every day of the year.