West Ham United and the West Ham United Foundation will launch a new suicide prevention programme at London Stadium, starting at the Premier League home fixture against Crystal Palace on Saturday 20 September.
The initiative will see vital mental health signposting and support made available on matchdays, ensuring fans have access to resources when they need them most. QR codes displayed on screens and printed materials will connect supporters to crisis lines, local services and community groups, helping to turn matchdays into a safe space for conversations and connection.
The launch comes as the Premier League rolls out its ‘Together Against Suicide’ initiative, part of their ‘Inside Matters’ campaign - a long-term commitment to supporting mental health and emotional wellbeing across players, fans, communities and schools. ‘Together Against Suicide’ - launched on World Suicide Prevention Day, 10 September - is designed to support fans affected by suicide or suicidal thoughts, helping raise awareness of the information and expertise available to those who need it most.
Backed by all 20 Premier League clubs, and created with suicide prevention charity Samaritans, ‘Together Against Suicide’ is helping fund eleven sides - including West Ham United - to provide bespoke support for fans at home matchdays across the 2025/26 campaign.
The Premier League has also created an online hub which includes information on signs and symptoms for people to look for if they are concerned about how they or someone else is feeling. The hub offers support and referral information to both domestic and international services. Click HERE for more information.
The ‘Together Against Suicide’ initiative will be visible at all Premier League matches this weekend, helping to raise awareness of help available to a global audience.
West Ham United Foundation Health Manager, Hervé Bessières, said: “Each life lost to suicide affects around 135 others - family, friends, colleagues and communities. With over 6,000 deaths a year in the UK, that means more than 800,000 people impacted annually - enough to fill London Stadium more than ten times over.
“Football clubs like West Ham United have a unique platform to reach people where they are - in the stands, with their friends, in moments of passion and connection. That’s why it’s so important we use matchdays to break down stigma, signpost support and remind people that they are not alone.
“Every seat represents someone affected. Every conversation could be a lifeline. Suicide is preventable, and together we can make a difference.”
Partnerships that save lives
The Club and Foundation’s commitment to suicide prevention is strengthened by the partnership with R;pple Suicide Prevention, a digital tool created by Alice Hendy MBE in memory of her brother, Josh.
R;pple intercepts harmful online searches and directs users to immediate support services, and has been implemented across West Ham United’s digital platforms.
Together, the Foundation and R;pple also host an annual charity football tournament at The Foundry, the Foundation’s newly-redeveloped hub in Beckton, raising awareness and vital funds to support suicide prevention. For more information about this year’s upcoming tournament, click HERE.
For more information about R;pple, click HERE.
In addition, as part of the Premier League’s ‘Together Against Suicide’ initiative, Samaritans will provide training to Club staff to ensure they feel equipped and supported to lead suicide prevention activity with fans.
A season of support
With the new season in full flow, West Ham United is making mental health awareness an integral part of the matchday experience. By combining stadium signposting, community programmes and partnerships with leading charities, the Club is helping ensure that every supporter knows they are not alone.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential support. And if you’re attending a match at London Stadium, look out for the information and resources available which will connect you to the help you need.
Extending support beyond matchdays
The matchday programme at London Stadium will be complemented by ‘Play for Tomorrow’, a new community-led mental health project delivered by the Foundation at The Foundry.
Weekly football sessions for people living with mental health challenges - including those at risk of suicide - will combine physical activity with safe spaces for peer support, reflection and resilience building.
Workshops co-designed with participants will focus on coping strategies, emotional regulation and access to professional help, ensuring that the programme is shaped around lived experience.
To register your interest, or for more information, click HERE.