Cumberland FA have been working in partnership with Every Life Matters, who promote suicide safer communities and provide bereavement support across Cumbria for a number of seasons. So far, the grassroots football community has raised almost £2,000 to support the charity's fantastic local work. 

YOU CAN MAKE A DONATION HERE

World Suicide Prevention Day is an annual reminder that there is an alternative to suicide, and it aims to inspire confidence and light in all of us. This year, World Suicide Prevention Day is Sunday 10th September 2023. 

Every Life Matters have created the sports pack below, and they are asking those involved in sport to hold a period of silence ahead of games this weekend to remember those who have died from suicide, and to highlight that silence is not the option and talking about suicide saves lives.  

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PACK

Cumberland FA are supporting teams to host a minute’s silence during their home games this weekend around World Suicide Prevention Day; a minute's silence to remember those lost to suicide and to show support for people in our communities who are living with thoughts of suicide. Teams are asked to ‘stay silent before the game to show silence is not an option when in need.’

As a suicide prevention charity, Every Life Matters come from the perspective that suicide is everyone's business, and we truly value your support in helping raise awareness of the subject within your community. Across Cumbria, we sadly lose one life to suicide every 6 days within our county, with our rates of suicide being higher than the national average.

The focus of the sports pack is to provide resources for your team to share amongst your local community and help build awareness. This includes social media graphics, posters and ways to get involved. Alongside this, some materials for World Suicide Prevention Day have been included; a chance to come together with others worldwide to light a candle for those lives lost and those who continue to live with thoughts of suicide. 

Within the pack are ‘Every Life Matters’ graphics and text for teams and clubs to promote on social media and within match day programmes (should they wish), as well as ways to get involved and training opportunities. 

To help promote WSPD events around Cumbria and build awareness of the key messages throughout the season, Every Life Matters are looking for teams that would be comfortable filming short videos that we can use across social media. These will be 20-30 seconds long and scripts/key messages can be provided (examples are also included in the sports pack). 

Any club interested in getting involved or would like to get some physical resources for this weekend, or even a chat, can contact Sarah on sarah.cameron@every-life-matters.org.uk.

We hope the information within the pack will provide you with plenty of information to help raise awareness and further conversations about suicide.

The Cumberland Football Community has a huge reach across the county, with thousands of players, volunteers, spectators and match officials involved every week. Thank you in advance for your support with this important information.