Brentford’s ‘best tactic’ is talking

Brentford FC have joined the Premier League’s ‘Together Against Suicide’ initiative, launching a new campaign at their upcoming fixture against Chelsea.

As one of 10 clubs in the Premier League’s suicide prevention pilot programme, Brentford and the Brentford FC Community Sports Trust will use their platforms to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage help-seeking behaviours. Statistics show that someone in the UK takes their own life every 90 minutes.

The club’s campaign, ‘Talking is the Best Tactic’, highlights the importance of conversation. The club will install a collection of special benches in the local area to provide more places for people to talk. A bench will also be installed pitchside for the match against Chelsea as a reminder of the campaign’s message.

Throughout the season, the Brentford FC Community Sports Trust will host monthly ‘In Conversation With’ events, bringing together mental health experts and community members. At the Chelsea fixture, fans will see posters and messages on screens around the stadium, sharing information on the help available and a link to a webpage of useful resources.

Michael Caulfield, Club Consultant Psychologist, said, “The benches we have installed at Robert Rowan Performance Centre are a space for players to pause, reflect and open up. Sitting down and starting a conversation can be the first step to breaking through silence – whether that’s on the training ground, in the stands, or in the wider community.

“By bringing that message pitchside, we want to remind everyone that reaching out and communicating about how you feel can make all the difference.”

Lee Doyle, Brentford FC Community Sports Trust chief executive, said, “On matchday, around the stadium you will see various posters, messages on the big screens and LEDs and hear conversations with our matchday staff. When the full-time whistle blows, I hope that regardless of the result, you leave the match and think about checking in on someone you care about over the weekend and beyond.”

Sport Industry Group are happy to announce an in-person Mental Wellbeing event taking place on Thursday 9th October, ahead of World Mental Health Day.

👉 Register your interest in attending: events@sportindustry.biz