Brentford is one of 10 clubs taking part in the Premier League’s suicide prevention pilot programme, which aims to provide support for fans experiencing suicidal thoughts.

This initiative will see the club and Brentford FC Community Sports Trust use its platforms and community outreach to raise awareness of suicide, how it can be prevented, seek to reduce stigma and encourage help-seeking behaviours.

This will include providing fans and the wider community with access to experts at monthly events, as well as the launch of an awareness campaign encouraging fans to talk.

Sadly, suicide is an issue that affects people of all ages and from all backgrounds.

Statistics show that every 90 minutes someone in the UK takes their own life, and that one in four of us has experienced suicidal thoughts.

Football brings people together and Brentford’s campaign, Talking is the Best Tactic, highlights the importance of conversation and encourages fans to take the time to talk to one another.

Throughout the season, the club is working in partnership with the London Borough of Hounslow to install a collection of special benches in the local area, providing fans and the community with more places to sit and talk.

Club consultant psychologist Michael Caulfield recognises the importance of creating safe spaces to talk and installed benches at Robert Rowan Performance Centre to create a place for conversations with players, coaches and staff.

The benches in our training ground have had a significant impact on our players who have used them as a space to pause and have meaningful conversations with Michael.

On Saturday, the bench will be installed pitchside ahead of our match against Chelsea as reminder of the importance of talking.

Brentford FC Community Sports Trust will also host monthly In Conversation With events, bringing together mental health experts, community members and public figures to promote ongoing understanding while creating a trusted space for shared learning and personal growth.

Jon Varney, Brentford chief executive, said: “Suicide is one of the biggest public health challenges we face, and football has a responsibility to play its part in tackling it. Men account for nearly three quarters of suicides in the UK, yet too often feel unable to talk.

“Every Brentford matchday, we bring together thousands of people. We want to encourage our fans who might be struggling with their mental health or suicidal thoughts to take an important step, and speak to someone, whether that’s a trusted friend or a professional.”

Michael Caulfield commented: “In football, we talk a lot about tactics, but sometimes the most important tactic is simply talking. The benches we have installed at Robert Rowan Performance Centre are a space for players to pause, reflect and open up.

“Sitting down and starting a conversation can be the first step to breaking through silence - whether that’s on the training ground, in the stands, or in the wider community.

"By bringing that message pitchside, we want to remind everyone that reaching out and communicating about how you feel can make all the difference.”

At our fixture against Chelsea, fans can expect to see posters around the stadium and on screens sharing the importance of opening up the conversation on mental health and the help available in crisis.

The poster will include a link to our webpage of useful resources which can help individuals who are struggling with suicidal thoughts and need professional help.

Before the match, Michael Caulfield will join matchday presenter Stu Wakeford pitchside on his bench to share how he supports our players with their mental health.

Lee Doyle, Brentford FC Community Sports Trust chief executive, said: “I am proud to see our club being part of a Premier League campaign to raise awareness, nationwide through Together Against Suicide.

“Brentford FC Community Sports Trust is committed to tackling the stigma around mental health and increasing access to support.

"On matchday, around the stadium you will see various posters, messages on the big screens and LEDs and hear conversations with our matchday staff.

"When the full-time whistle blows, I hope that regardless of the result, you leave the match and think about checking in on someone you care about over the weekend and beyond.”

The Trust currently supports the local community through the delivery of BeeActive: Football sessions.

Delivered by experienced football and talking therapy coaches, these free weekly sessions provide participants with an opportunity to connect and have fun whilst also working on their physical and mental fitness.

The Trust also run regular Comedy for Thought courses, giving participants a chance to learn stand-up comedy techniques whilst harnessing the power of laughter to support wellbeing.