In previous blogs FPH has long-advocated for the destigmatisation of mental health discussions among males. The usual reasons have been alluded to many times - we won't go into them again because honestly it doesn't look like they are going to disappear.
While the outlook for male mental health remains bleak, it is fair to say that recognition is at an all time high - even if this isn't borne out in the data.
One message mental health advocates have consistently emphasised is that men need more accessible spaces where they feel comfortable talking honestly about their feelings. I honestly have no idea how many times I have either read that elsewhere or written it myself, but it's got the point where I know how the sentence will end after the first three words.
One of the most accessible places this could possibly be for men would be at the football.
Even amongst the seismic growth of the women's game, football remains the working man's game in this country - frankly it always will.
Norwich City gained plaudits a few years ago with a poignant advert that portrayed mental health among supporters as completely unpredictable. If you haven't seen it then google it.
But while I’m sure football clubs care about the mental health of players, staff and supporters, I would posit that they could do a better job of showing this with their considerable reach.
This changed a few weeks ago. Recently relegated Wolverhampton Wanderers - Wolves - announced it will host a wellbeing and mental health training session for fans at Molineux, helping supporters recognise when someone may be struggling and teaching practical ways to support one another.
The initiative, delivered by Wolves, the Wolves Foundation, and Samaritans, comes at a crucial time.
According to parliamentary data published earlier this month, men still account for the majority of suicide deaths in the UK, with middle-aged men remaining one of the highest-risk groups. New government “near-to-real-time suicide surveillance” data also shows why continued action is urgently needed.
The latest reporting system, designed as a warning tool for suicide prevention, continues to monitor concerning patterns across England and highlights the importance of earlier intervention and stronger community support.
The surveillance data for January 2026 showed that suspected suicide rates remained broadly stable compared with the previous two months, with no statistically significant change overall, but the figures also highlighted the continuing gender disparity, with men’s suspected suicide rate three times that of females - 15 deaths per 100,000 people compared with 5.1 among women.
Awareness around mental health is on the up no doubt, but stigma and silence continue to prevent many from seeking help early.
Football clubs have always been places that men enjoy frequenting - the pre-match pints, the game itself, the post-match pints and the miserable train home after a brutal loss in the last minute is all part and parcel of the footy. It brings men who may only share one thing in common together, but it also allows them to be themselves.
At a time when loneliness and isolation are affecting increasing numbers of men, football grounds can also become spaces where supporters feel connected to others. Wolves’ new training programme recognises that.
The session aims to help fans build confidence in supporting their friends, fellow supporters, and people around them. Rather than expecting people to become mental health professionals overnight, the focus is on controllable actions like checking in, listening, and recognising when someone may need support.
Mental health charities across the UK continue to stress the importance of early intervention, and they should. But initiatives like this one should be celebrated when they have been called for repeatedly.
I have chosen to ignore my cynicism surrounding the timing of the announcement - after relegation and during a period of increased focus on Mental Health Awareness - because ultimately its great news.
The government’s near-to-real-time suicide surveillance programme was created specifically to help identify trends more quickly so support and prevention measures can respond faster. Building on this with initiatives like the one brought forward at Molineux are genuine signs that things could improve.
With Mental Health Awareness Week now having concluded, Wolves have helped demonstrate what community leadership can look like. By encouraging openness and reducing stigma among supporters, the club is showing that football can be a powerful force for mental wellbeing.