Derbyshire campaign taking life-saving conversations to local sports grounds

Football and rugby supporters across Derbyshire are being encouraged to start conversations that could save lives as Derbyshire County Council takes its suicide prevention campaign to sports grounds across the county.

More than 180 volunteers are attending football and rugby fixtures between August and October 2026, speaking with fans, sharing advice and 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 into familiar community settings.

Councillor Dan Price, Derbyshire County Council’s 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, Derbyshire County Council’s 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.

For more information, visit: Mental wellbeing – Live Life Better Derbyshire

For resources, visit: www.dccmhsp.com/letschatderbyshire

For free suicide awareness training, visit: www.zerosuicidealliance.com/suicide-awareness-training-courses