LFC Foundation, this weekend, launched a new initiative offering confidential advice and specialist support to fans at Anfield experiencing suicidal thoughts.
The club’s official charity, working alongside LFC Safeguarding, has developed Kicking Off Conversations as part of the Premier League’s Together Against Suicide campaign. The programme will see the creation of a permanent safe space outside Anfield Stadium, where supporters can access help and talk openly about their mental wellbeing on Premier League matchdays.
Located at the corner of 97 Avenue and Anfield Road, the new community space will be staffed by trained professionals and volunteers at every Premier League home fixture. It is designed to provide comfort, connection and practical assistance to anyone in crisis, struggling in silence, or simply seeking someone to talk to. Staff will also be able to signpost visitors to further specialist services when required.
Backed by all 20 Premier League clubs and developed in partnership with suicide prevention charity Samaritans, Together Against Suicide responds to the stark reality that someone in the UK takes their own life every 90 minutes, and one in four people experience suicidal thoughts.
LFC is one of 11 Premier League clubs to provide tailored support, with LFC Foundation working closely with Liverpool City Council’s ReachOut Liverpool programme and the Zero Suicide Alliance to ensure staff and volunteers are fully trained and equipped to help fans effectively.
Matt Parish, chief executive LFC Foundation, said:
“We’re very proud to launch our Kicking Off Conversations imitative at the derby game at Anfield and support this vitally important wider Premier League campaign.
“Our aim is to use the power of football to bring people together, creating a safe space for people to be able to talk about mental wellbeing and helping them to feel more supported and less alone in times of crisis.”
The initiative builds on LFC Foundation’s wider commitment to improving health and wellbeing across the Liverpool City Region and beyond, extending its established mental health programmes already delivered in local schools and community hubs.
To find out more about Kicking Off Conversations and the community space, fans can speak to a member of the LFC Safeguarding Team at Anfield on matchdays or email safeguarding@liverpoolfc.com
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