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Derbyshire campaign taking life-saving conversations to local sports grounds

Published: 9 September 2026

Football and rugby supporters across Derbyshire are being encouraged to start conversations that could save lives as we take our suicide prevention campaign to sports grounds across the county.


Members of the mental health team at one of Belper Town Football Club
Members of the mental health team at one of Belper Town Football Club's games supporting fans and athletes.

More than 180 volunteers are attending football and rugby fixtures between August and October, speaking with fans, sharing advice and support information, and helping to make conversations about mental health and suicide prevention part of everyday life.

The campaign is particularly focused on reaching men, who account for around three-quarters of deaths by suicide, by taking support and information into familiar community settings.

Councillor Dan Price, our Cabinet Member for Communities and Safety, said:

"Mental health challenges can affect anyone, and we know that a simple conversation can sometimes make a real difference.

"Football and rugby clubs sit at the heart of our communities, making them ideal places to raise awareness and encourage people to look out for one another.

"By taking this campaign directly to local sports grounds, we're helping to break down stigma, target support where it's needed most, and putting prevention at the heart of everything we do.”

Alongside the matchday campaign, our mental health and suicide prevention team has developed resources to help individuals, organisations and community groups feel more confident talking about suicide prevention and sharing information about support services.

Find out more about mental wellbeing support.

Find out about free suicide awareness training.