Saints Foundation launches mental health initiatives in Southampton

Saints Foundation is expanding its mental health support services to address growing challenges within the UK. With one in five adults and young people facing mental health issues annually, the foundation is providing various projects to assist those in need.

To support local men, the Saints By Your Side programme operates at St Mary's Stadium. This initiative, a partnership with Southampton FC, provides a dedicated space for men in the community to gather and learn wellbeing management techniques. This focus follows data showing that men are less likely to seek help. In Southampton, 54% of men who died by suicide over the last two years were not known to mental health services.

A new pilot service called the Extra Time hub is also being introduced this season. Located outside the Kingsland Stand near the Gasworks on matchdays, the hub aims to provide immediate assistance and raise awareness among supporters during football fixtures.

For younger residents, the Talking Tactics project offers mentoring for individuals aged 11 to 18. Participants can receive weekly support for up to six months. The programme focuses on reducing health inequalities and helping young people build confidence and self-agency by connecting them with trusted adults.

These efforts aim to combat the stigma and barriers that prevent people from seeking help, such as long waiting lists and fear of judgment. The foundation's goal is to ensure that individuals do not have to manage mental health struggles in isolation.