James Frith MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health Innovation, joined colleagues from our Trust, Arsenal Football Club, the Premier League and Samaritans on Sunday to mark the return of the Together Against Suicide programme for the 2026/27 season.
During the visit, the minister was joined by Jess Lievesley, our chief operating officer, and met with Natalie Zuel, one of our senior nurses delivering the service, to hear how the partnership is helping bring mental health support directly into a community setting where people feel comfortable seeking help.
The visit highlighted the pioneering match-day mental health support service, which returns for a second season after launching last year.
Based at the Arsenal Hub, the service provides a safe and confidential space for supporters experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts to speak with an experienced mental health practitioner before, during and after matches.
_James Frith MP, speaks to volunteers from Samaritans._
Working alongside Samaritans volunteers, the initiative aims to raise awareness of suicide prevention, reduce stigma and help people access support when they need it most.
The programme builds on the longstanding partnership between our Trust and Arsenal in the Community and forms part of the Premier League's Together Against Suicide initiative. Now entering its second season, the service continues to demonstrate how football can play an important role in supporting mental health and wellbeing within local communities.
Read more about the programme here: [Together Against Suicide - NLFT and Arsenal FC launch new service | Latest news - North London NHS Foundation Trust | North London NHS Foundation Trust](https://www.northlondonmentalhealth.nhs.uk/news/together-against-suicide-nlft-and-arsenal-fc-launch-new-service-6875)