World Suicide Prevention Day: Starting the Conversation

Ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on Thursday, 10th September, Maidenhead United Football Club is proud to stand alongside Campaign Against Living Miserably and continue using football as a platform to raise awareness, encourage conversations and signpost support. 

 

The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day is “Changing the Narrative on Suicide”, with a call to action to “Start the Conversation”. It is a reminder that talking about suicide, mental health and the challenges people face can help reduce stigma and make it easier for people to seek support. 

 

At Maidenhead United, our partnership with CALM has become a hugely important part of the club’s identity. Now in its fourth season, the partnership sees CALM continue as our front-of-shirt partner, ensuring a vital mental health message remains visible across the club, at York Road and throughout the wider community. 

 

Over recent seasons, the club has worked with CALM to raise awareness, spark conversations and support fundraising activity, including our charity golf day and Retro Day at York Road. These events have helped bring supporters, partners and the wider community together around an important cause. 

 

But the partnership is about more than a logo on a shirt. It is about using the power of football to remind people that support is available, conversations matter, and nobody should feel they have to struggle alone. 

 

Campaign Against Living Miserably is a suicide prevention charity offering support to anyone struggling with life, as well as those affected by suicide or worried about someone else. 

 

CALM provides a free and confidential helpline, livechat and WhatsApp support, alongside online tools, advice and resources covering a wide range of topics. 

 

Support is available through CALM via: 

 

 

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. 

 

Alongside our partnership with CALM, Maidenhead United and Maidenhead United FC Community Trust continue to provide activities that can help people feel more connected, active and supported. 

 

Football can play an important role in bringing people together. Whether you are attending a match at York Road, joining a Community Trust session, volunteering, walking with others, or simply meeting someone for a conversation, small moments of connection can make a meaningful difference. 

 

Across the club and Community Trust, there are a range of opportunities for people to get involved, including: 

 

 

These activities are not a replacement for professional support, but they can provide positive routines, social connection, physical activity and a sense of belonging – all of which can support mental wellbeing.