MARKING World Suicide Prevention Day, Tranmere Rovers have announced a new partnership with Wirral-based charity, The Martin Gallier Project as they aim to become the first-ever 'suicide-safer' football club in England.

The club is describing the move as a 'significant step' in their mission to foster a supportive environment, not only for our players and staff but also for our wider fanbase and the local community.

A statement from Rovers said: "With mental health challenges affecting millions of people across the UK, we recognise the importance of taking proactive steps to break the stigma around mental health and provide the necessary tools to offer support when it’s needed most."

The club's staff will now participate in 'SafeTalk' training designed to teach participants how to recognise the signs of suicidal thoughts and direct individuals to appropriate support services.

"By raising awareness and providing practical skills, SafeTalk enables our staff to act as a first point of contact for anyone who might be struggling," the club said.

"In addition, members of our team will undertake ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training).

"This more in-depth training equips individuals with the skills to intervene and provide immediate assistance to those at risk of suicide. ASIST-trained staff will be able to identify those in need, engage them in conversations about their safety, and connect them to professional care whilst keeping them safe for now.

"By embedding these lifesaving skills within our club, we hope to create a culture where mental health is prioritised, and anyone who is struggling feels they can reach out for support."

The Martin Gallier Project, based in Wirral, is a charity dedicated to preventing suicide, breaking down stigma and supporting families affected by suicide.

Rovers said: "We are honoured to work alongside such an inspiring organisation that, since launching in 2019, has provided 34,000 life-saving interventions.

"Their expertise in suicide prevention, intervention and post-vention will help us ensure that Tranmere Rovers becomes a leading example of how football clubs can promote positive mental health.

"The ultimate goal of this partnership is to build a football club that not only excels on the pitch but also continues to play a central role in the wellbeing of our community.

"We believe that every individual deserves access to mental health support, and we are committed to ensuring that Tranmere Rovers is a safe space for everyone.

Speaking on the partnership, CEO of The Martin Gallier Project, Jessica Gallier Booth. said: "To be partnering with Tranmere Rovers to provide their staff with the training to become the UK's first Suicide Safer Football Club is a monumental moment for us and one I am extremely proud of.

“My dad was a massive fan of football so he will be looking down with immense pride that we are working with Tranmere and continuing to create a suicide safer community.

"Tranmere Rovers are sending a powerful message by completing this training and we hope they become the first of many clubs to use their platform to promote the correct messages.”

Vice Chair, Nicola Palios, said: “Football can often be a place of release for people who are struggling in other aspects of their lives.

"I’m proud that we are taking steps to try to ensure that our staff are trained to spot the signs when someone may be suicidal, and how best to react to that. I hope with our lead, that other clubs will follow suit”.

For more information about The Martin Gallier Project and the support they offer, visit their website by clicking here