Prem plan to save fans’ lives
TV presenter is part of suicide prevention campaign
THE Premier League have launched a ‘Together Against Suicide’ initiative ahead of this weekend’s games.
All 20 clubs are backing it, 11 clubs are providing different forms of support for fans with messaging on advertising boards, in match-day programmes and on big screens at all games.
Latest data shows that one person in the UK takes their own life every 90 minutes and that a quarter of all people have had suicidal thoughts.
The participating clubs are doing different projects, with Tottenham teaming up with Haringey Mind while Arsenal are doing a matchday drop-in centre.
Aston Villa, Brentford, Brighton, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, West Ham, Wolves and Southampton are also taking part.
Sky presenter and broadcaster Roman Kemp, a big Arsenal supporter, joined with Tottenham chief executive Vinai Venkatesham to devise a project to help tackle the issue, which was announced on World Suicide Prevention Day.
Kemp has been profoundly affected by suicide as his best friend, radio producer Joe Lyons, took his own life in 2020.
He made a BBC documentary about the experience and also revealed he had suicidal thoughts as a teenager.
Kemp – who also presents the BBC’s One Show – said: “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.”