Liverpool FC has released a powerful new video featuring UFC star and lifelong Reds supporter Paddy Pimblett, encouraging fans to speak openly about mental health ahead of World Mental Health Day on Saturday 10 October.
In the emotional video, the Liverpool-born fighter reflects on losing a close friend to suicide, his own mental health struggles and the importance of starting conversations that could save lives.
Speaking candidly about his experiences, Paddy said:
“I thought about suicide a couple of times, how I’d do it. To man up, bottle it up and not say anything is just sewn into our being. There are a lot of lads I know over the past ten years who’ve taken their own lives and it’s crazy when you think about it because scousers are the most happy-go-lucky people in the world.
“Every 90 minutes someone takes their own life, that’s just absolutely shocking.”
The video follows the opening of Liverpool FC’s permanent Kicking Off Conversations hub at Anfield, a dedicated space offering mental health support to supporters on matchdays.
Located at the corner of 97 Avenue, the hub is operated by the club’s official charity, LFC Foundation, alongside its safeguarding team.
Described as the first facility of its kind in the Premier League, the hub provides a safe, welcoming and confidential environment where supporters can seek help for themselves or receive guidance about supporting someone close to them.
Paddy appears in the video alongside former Liverpool goalkeeper and LFC Foundation Community Ambassador Chris Kirkland, LFC Foundation senior coordinator Mark Henderson and programme participant Paul Newell.
Together, they share their personal experiences of mental health challenges and discuss how speaking openly can make a difference.
Paddy, who established The Baddy Foundation in 2022 to challenge the stigma surrounding men’s mental health, welcomed Liverpool FC’s commitment to suicide prevention.
He said:
“My whole family supports Liverpool. Hearing that they are taking suicide prevention so seriously and they’ve got the hub now on a matchday, I think it’s a great idea because when you come to the match it’s like a safe place.”
The video forms part of Liverpool FC’s activities marking World Mental Health Day, highlighting the importance of recognising when someone may be struggling and encouraging people to reach out for support.
Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among men under 50 in the UK, with stigma and difficulties discussing mental health continuing to prevent some people from seeking help.
By sharing their stories, Paddy and the other participants hope to demonstrate that speaking to someone about difficult experiences can be an important first step towards getting support.
The film is the first in a series of videos planned throughout the football season, with future episodes exploring the personal experiences of Paddy, Chris, Mark and Paul in greater detail.
Alongside the campaign, LFC Foundation is working with Alfie’s Squad to introduce Support Around the Seat, a dedicated resource designed to help supporters, families and club staff affected by suicide.
The Liverpool-specific initiative brings together trusted local and national organisations, offering information and clear pathways to support for anyone experiencing mental health difficulties, grieving a loss or concerned about someone else.
Supporters can find further information about the Kicking Off Conversations initiative and available mental health services through the Liverpool FC website.
Additional information about the Support Around the Seat initiative is available through Alfie’s Squad.
