Norwich FC speaks up about suicide

Every 90 minutes in the UK, someone dies by suicide. The same amount of time as a football match. 

In response to this heartbreaking statistic, Norwich City Football Club and UK mental health charity Samaritans have launched this moving campaign, directed by Harry Cauty through Rattling Stick for World Mental Health Day. 

In contrast to the usual one-minute memorial silences held at football games, fans were encouraged to Break The Silence and talk to those around them one minute before kick-off at last weekend’s televised football match between Norwich City and Hull City. This touching, 90-second film captures the event, and highlights how starting a conversation could provide the foundation for someone reaching out for support with their mental health.

Creative Director, Neil Clarke says: "This project has a deep and very personal importance for me. Sadly, I’ve experienced firsthand how much suicide destroys not just someone’s life… it also destroys families, friendships, even communities. 

Worryingly, suicide is on the rise in the UK. Every 90 minutes someone takes their own life. 1 in 5 people have had suicidal ideation. It’s way more common that you think. But most importantly, it’s also the most preventable cause of death. By talking about mental health challenges, making it part of life (because it is part of life), and normalising it… we all have a chance to stop someone we love from disappearing forever.”