Brentford Football Club and Brentford FC Community Sports Trust will continue to use the power of football to encourage conversations around mental health this season through Talking is the Best Tactic, the campaign delivered as part of the Premier League's Together Against Suicide initiative.
This Saturday’s fixture against Sunderland will be dedicated to the campaign, building on last season's launch. Brentford is encouraging supporters to take simple actions that could make a meaningful difference to supporting someone’s mental health.
This week, the club and Trust installed a bench in Gunnersbury Park, the sixth to be added in the local area to encourage the community to pause, connect and talk.
Last season, some of our players took to the benches to share their own experiences of mental health, including Fábio Carvalho and former Bees player Jordan Henderson. The installation of benches was inspired by Brentford's longstanding commitment to supporting mental wellbeing and the work of consultant psychologist Michael Caulfield, whose bench at the Robert Rowan Performance Centre (RRPC) provides a safe, confidential space for players, coaches and staff to speak.
On Saturday, ahead of our game against Sunderland, from 12.30pm the RRPC bench will be located outside Entrance B at Gtech Community Stadium so fans can make a personal commitment linked to mental wellbeing and supporting others.
Trained representatives from Brentford FC Community Sports Trust and the Samaritans will be on hand to speak with supporters and provide information about health and wellbeing programmes available in the local community.
Support a loved one
This season, Talking is the Best Tactic is encouraging supporters to take small actions towards better mental health through simple conversations or small acts of support.
The Sunderland fixture is our dedicated Friends and Family fixture, where Brentford members (excluding overseas and junior members) can purchase an additional ticket and invite a friend, family member or someone they haven't seen for a while to the game.
The fixture provides the perfect opportunity to reconnect with someone, spend time together and start a conversation. Supporting someone through conversation doesn't require the perfect words. Whether it's checking in with a friend, taking time to listen or helping someone access support when they need it, small actions can make a big difference.
Help is available
For those experiencing poor mental health, support is available and no one has to face challenges alone.
Brentford FC Community Sports Trust continues to provide free opportunities for people to connect and talk through initiatives including:
Singing for Thought: A welcoming seven-week programme designed to boost mood, build confidence and bring people together through music. Led by an experienced choir leader, sessions are relaxed, fun and open to everyone. No previous singing experience needed - just bring your voice!
Walking for Wellbeing: A friendly community walking group designed to help people get outside, connect with others and improve their wellbeing. The group is a supportive space for anyone who wants to meet new people, build confidence or increase their daily step count weekly, every Friday.
Resources for urgent and local help can be found on our Talking is The Best Tactic webpage.
Anyone in need of urgent mental support should always call 999 in an emergency or contact NHS urgent mental health support via 111 and select option 2. You can also call Samaritans on 116 123 – free, available 24/7.
Across local west London pubs, One Over the Ait, Kew Bridge, The George IV, The Bell & Crown and The Pilot in Chiswick, our special free Talking is The Best Tactic coasters will be available on Saturday morning. The coasters include details of urgent and local support for poor mental health.
Everyone has a role
Suicide affects people of all ages and backgrounds and affects men disproportionately. Sadly, men account for nearly three-quarters of suicides in the UK, yet too often feel unable to talk about what they're experiencing.
Talking is the Best Tactic encourages all of us to play our part by checking in with those around us, asking simple questions and taking the time to listen.
Throughout the 2026/27 season, Brentford will continue to encourage supporters, staff and the wider west London community to help create a culture where people feel able to talk.