Fans kick off the conversation with mental health walk to the Amex

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Supporters unite under the banner and kick off the conversation around men's mental health.

2026-10-03T07:00+01:00

Albion fans united under the banner to ‘Kick off the conversation’ around men's mental health. 📷 Paul Hazlewood

Albion fans took to the streets of Brighton for a 6.6-kilometre walk from Pavilion Gardens to the Amex, uniting under the banner to ‘Kick off the conversation’ around men's mental health.

The event is part of the Premier League’s Together Against Suicide Campaign and was organised by Men Walking and Talking Brighton, which was founded in 2021, in partnership with Brighton & Hove Samaritans and the club.

Setting off from outside the Brighton Museum at Pavilion Gardens, the 1hr 45mins trek followed Lewes Road with community stops at Saunders Park and Wild Park before concluding at the Amex.

Built on the core principles that ‘Every Step Counts’, ‘Take the First Step’, and people are ’Better Together’, the event highlighted how physical activity and peer support can break social isolation and encourage open dialogue.

The walk aligns directly with Together Against Suicide, a major nationwide campaign backed by Premier League clubs and developed alongside Samaritans and mental health advocate Roman Kemp.

Albion’s Head of Safeguarding & Academy Player Care Richard Valder-Davis said, “Last September I completed the ‘Learn to Listen like a Samaritan' training alongside the wonderful group of men involved with Dad La Soul.

“In that session it was really clear that when men are given the right space they talk and if they are heard they keep talking. As we know from individuals involved in the Together Against Suicide campaign that kicking off a conversation can literally save a life.

"Before the Arsenal match a group of like-minded men walked and talked. Open conversations happened and feelings were shared. The power of conversation and connection cannot be underestimated.

“I’d like to thank Men Walking and Talking and their Brighton walk leader Kristian Katin for guiding the group safely to the Amex.”

For full details on the club's initiative and matchday resources, visit our campaign page: brightonandhovealbion.com/together-against-suicide.

In the UK, someone takes their own life every 90 minutes - the length of a football match - and suicide remains the leading cause of death for men under 50.

Through the Together Against Suicide initiative, Albion provides matchday listening volunteers at the Amex medical centre (next to East Stand reception) to offer a safe, non-judgmental space for supporters on matchdays, alongside 24/7 support lines.

To extend this support into the wider community, the club and Samaritans are delivering free two-hour Learn to Listen Like a Samaritan workshops. The ambitious programme aims to equip 1,901 members of the Albion community - including supporters, staff, and partners - with practical Samaritan listening techniques developed over 70 years.

Sessions are held in the Player's Lounge in the East Stand as well as via online webinars. You can sign up here:

Official Club Campaign Hub: Brighton & Hove Albion - Together Against Suicide
Fan Training Sign-Up: Register for Learn to Listen Like a Samaritan

Following the success of the first walk to the Amex, Men Walking and Talking Brighton and Brighton & Hove Samaritans will be holding more joint walk-and-talk events throughout the 2026/27 season.

We would encourage anyone seeking peer support, looking to stay active, or wanting to help break the stigma surrounding mental health to keep an eye out for upcoming dates and join in.