Tottenham Hotspur Football Club has launched a hard-hitting new campaign in collaboration with Samaritans and the Premier League's Together Against Suicide initiative, aiming to dismantle the stigma that prevents people from seeking mental health support.
Research Reveals Reluctance to Reach Out
The club commissioned research which uncovered significant barriers people face when considering asking for help. The study found that more than half (58 per cent) of individuals experiencing mental health difficulties would be hesitant to reach out. Furthermore, one in five people (20 per cent) confessed to finding this year's festive season more challenging than the last.
For those specifically reluctant to use the phone, the reasons were clear: 28 per cent wouldn't know how to start the conversation, 32 per cent felt their problems weren't serious enough, and 33 per cent were simply too embarrassed.
The Film: A Compelling Call to Action
At the heart of the campaign is a short film, now available on all of Spurs' digital channels. It features a young male fan, portrayed by actor Elliot Eason, wrestling with his mental health and trying to suppress his emotions. A symbolic white phone box follows him, representing the call to Samaritans he is avoiding.
Eventually, he steps inside and makes the call, with his visible relief underscoring the film's message. The production includes appearances from Men's Head Coach Thomas Frank, Women's Head Coach Martin Ho, and players Bethany England, Ben Davies, and Archie Gray. A real Samaritans volunteer provides the voice on the line, and it was shot on location in N17, featuring Seven Sisters Market and the Antwerp Arms pub.
Club-Wide Support and Fan Engagement
The campaign extends far beyond the film. This week, the club will partner with The Fighting Cock podcast for a special open conversation. The panel will feature comedian and Spurs fan Josh James, club legend and mental health advocate Micky Hazard, and a Samaritans volunteer. Fans are encouraged to phone in and share their own stories.
At Saturday's Premier League match against Liverpool, photographers from Life In The South Stand will offer fans the chance to have portraits taken with the iconic white phone box from the film. The club will also distribute cards with helpline numbers and supportive messages to both sets of supporters around the stadium.
This work builds on an existing matchday support service delivered by Mind in Haringey at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, which has received over 100 contacts since September.
Tottenham Hotspur CEO Vinai Venkatesham, who co-created the Together Against Suicide initiative with broadcaster Roman Kemp, stated: "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 and its clubs benefit from a huge platform to demonstrate how making that first call for help can make all the difference."
Sonya Trivedy, Executive Director of External Engagement at Samaritans, added: "One in four of us will have suicidal thoughts, so it's vital we tackle the stigma. If just one Spurs fan goes on to call us after seeing this video, it could help save a life."
Support from Mind in Haringey is available at all Spurs home Premier League games and via a dedicated out-of-hours hub on their website.
