Mental Health In Southampton

The Etra Time Hub Team at St Mary's Stadium under the Kingsland Stand

The subject of male mental health was a topic on Voice FM’s Your Green Breakfast with Xan Phillips.

The aim was to raise awareness about Southampton FC and their Saints Foundation being part of the Premier League's 'Together Against Suicide' campaign.

The three interview you can hear below, you will hear a variety of ways teams in the city are offering an opportunity for men to talk about their problems and express their feelings without pressure or assumptions.

In the first interview T & Matt Smith from Saints Foundation explained how Southampton FC and the Samaritans are piloting the Extra Time Hub, creating a consistent matchday presence and safe space at St Mary’s where fans can talk and be signposted to support.

Andy's Man Club

This next guest is Richard Chilcot from Andy’s Man Club, a free peer-to-peer suicide prevention charity that helps men overcome stigma and feel supported to talk, often within a couple of sessions.

Richard says the hardest step is coming through the door, so members greet newcomers and look out for anxious arrivals. The positive change when people leave after the first session is noteable.

Safe Haven from Solent Mind

The guests were Sarah Byrne and Rachel Greatrex who explained Solent Mind’s Safe Haven, a peer-led crisis centre in Eastleigh open 5–11pm, seven days a week, offering online, phone, and in-person support for self-defined mental health crises and helping people avoid A&E by providing non-judgmental listening, validation, hope, and signposting, with over 2000 people supported since opening in July 2023.