Lancashire FA is proud to be teaming up with Every Life Matters to help raise awareness of mental health and share suicide prevention messages within the grassroots football community.

A few weeks into another national lockdown, now more than ever is a time to be thinking about our mental health and addressing any concerns you have about yourself or your friends and family. 

Tragically, suicide is the leading cause of death of young people in the UK and 75% of suicides are men. Furthermore, one in five people will have thoughts of suicide in their lifetime and there has been a 10.9% increase in suicide rates in the UK since 2018. 

To offer support, we’re pleased to share Every Life Matters’ wellbeing and mental health during Covid-19 guide, which can be downloaded below. This useful guide provides helpful suggestions and plans on how to look after yourself, manage stress and look out for others. 

WELLBEING AND MENTAL HEALTH DURING COVID-19 GUIDE 

Additional Support

If you are having thoughts of suicide, the following helplines are here to support you. 

Samaritans – Call 116 123 – There round the clock, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

PAPYRUS – Call 0800 068 41 41 – Support line for young people at risk of suicide. Various opening hours.

CALM – Call 0800 58 58 58. Men’s Helpline open 5pm – Midnight

Shout Crisis Text Service – Text Shout to 85258 to get 24/7 text support

Young Minds Crisis Text Service – Text YM to 85258 to get instant support

For more information about where to get help when you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, or how you can support someone at risk, visit https://www.every-life-matters.org.uk/find-support/  

We can all play a role in helping people whose mental health is at risk.

The smallest displays of kindness, like picking up the phone to check-in on someone, and the conversation that follows, could make the difference. You don’t need to solve their problems and knowing someone cares could be enough to get them through. And perhaps even save a life.

There are often warning signs that someone is having thoughts of suicide. What someone is saying, how they are behaving, and what is happening in their lives. Visit https://www.every-life-matters.org.uk/woried-about-someone/ today to find out what they are, and what all of us can do to support someone having thoughts of suicide.

Encourage someone with thoughts of suicide to reach out for support.

There are lots of organisations who can help people in financial difficulties. Visit https://www.every-life-matters.org.uk/get-help/ for more information. You can even help them by supporting them at meetings, or helping devise an action plan to move forward.

Useful Information from The FA

THE FA’S MENTAL HEALTH GUIDE FOR REFEREES

MENTAL HEALTH GUIDANCE FOR COACHES AND MANAGERS

VISIT THE FA’S USEFUL RESOURCES