As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, Arsenal in the Community is proud to highlight a number of programmes designed to support and improve the mental wellbeing of people across our local community.
Through strong partnerships and the power of sport, these initiatives provide safe spaces, meaningful support, and opportunities for people of all ages to connect, grow and thrive.
Together Against Suicide
This season, Arsenal Football Club and the North London NHS Foundation Trust are teaming up to pilot a new matchday mental health drop-in service at The Arsenal Hub, with a particular focus on suicide prevention.
The Premier League has funded 11 clubs to deliver the Together Against Suicide initiative during the 2025/26 season, aiming to raise awareness around suicide prevention and provide accessible support for fans when they may need it most.
A North London NHS Foundation Trust practitioner will be based at The Arsenal Hub during every Premier League home match throughout the season. Supporters will be able to access confidential conversations and guidance without an appointment, simply by walking into the Hub, where they will be welcomed by staff.
The practitioner will also be able to provide information about local mental health and support services where appropriate.
The service will be available ahead of the Burnley fixture on Monday 18 May.
Located next to Emirates Stadium at 56 Benwell Road, N7 7BA, The Arsenal Hub will be open from two hours before kick-off, throughout the match, and for one hour after full-time.
For more information about the programme, please email togetheragainstsuicide@arsenal.co.uk.
Brandon Centre Connect and Girls Kicks
Arsenal in the Community’s partnership with Brandon Centre is rooted in the Brandon Connect service, which provides therapeutic outreach sessions at The Arsenal Hub for young men who may otherwise struggle to access or engage with mental health services.
Together, the organisations also deliver Arsenal Girls’ Kicks, football sessions supported by a sports psychologist that help girls develop emotional awareness, communication skills and resilience as they continue to grow as athletes and young people.
This partnership demonstrates the positive impact that sport and community organisations can have when working together to support mental wellbeing and create meaningful change within local communities.
For more information about the Brandon Centre, please contact GeoffreyBaruch@brandoncentre.org.uk.
Advantage Mentoring – Talking Tactics Programme
Since 2020, Arsenal in the Community has partnered with Advantage Mentoring to deliver Talking Tactics, an innovative mental health mentoring programme supporting young people across north London.
Talking Tactics is a one-to-one mentoring programme for young people aged 11 to 21 who are experiencing mild to moderate mental health challenges. Delivered in a familiar and engaging environment at local football clubs, the programme combines mentoring support with the positive influence of sport.
Participants receive weekly one-to-one mentoring sessions for up to six months, working with a qualified mentor to set goals, build resilience and develop strategies to cope with life’s challenges.
The programme is based on a proven early intervention model that operates nationally and has demonstrated both scalability and cost-effectiveness.
To find out more about Talking Tactics, please contact Advantage Mentoring Coordinator Gemma Benham at gbenham@arsenal.co.uk.
NLFT Mental Health Programme
Arsenal in the Community works in partnership with the North London NHS Foundation Trust (NLFT) to deliver weekly football sessions for adults living with mental health conditions.
Sessions take place at The Arsenal Hub, where Arsenal coaches work alongside a qualified mental health practitioner to create a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for participants experiencing mental health challenges.
While our coaches lead the football activity, the NLFT practitioner is on hand to provide additional support throughout the sessions, helping participants feel comfortable and engaged.
Running since 2010, the programme has become an important part of many participants’ weekly routines, with some members attending for more than a decade.
As well as promoting physical activity, the sessions help improve mental wellbeing, reduce social isolation and create opportunities for participants to build positive friendships and support networks.
For more information, please contact Accessibility Coordinator Luke Howard at lhoward@arsenal.co.uk.
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