Newcastle United and Newcastle City Council launch the ...

Newcastle United and Newcastle City Council came together on Mental Health Awareness Week 2026 to launch the ‘One of Our Own’ campaign.

We’ve positioned 11 black-and-white benches in communities and parks around Newcastle. Each bench features prompts designed to turn casual ‘terrace talk’ into meaningful conversations about wellbeing.

In a region where suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50, these benches serve a vital purpose: breaking the silence.

A POWER TO SPARK CONVERSATION

“These benches are a brilliant way to encourage people to take a minute, sit down, and have those important conversations. If we can use the connection we share through football to help someone open up or reach out for support, then it’s a massive win for the whole community” - Dan Burn, Newcastle United Player & Foundation Ambassador.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

Sitting with a friend or someone who looks like they’re struggling? You can also use these prompts to break the ice:

The warm-up:

Who is your favourite player?
What is the best goal you’ve ever seen?
What’s your favourite ever Newcastle kit?

The team talk:

How are you feeling this week?
When did you last check in on a friend or family member?
What’s been on your mind lately?

BE A GAME CHANGER

Over 10,000 people of all ages have already benefited from Be A Game Changer’s wide-ranging physical and mental wellbeing programmes.

These include 12th Man & 12th Woman programmes, Walking Football, and Wellbeing Workshops. Find out more here.

A 24/7 NETWORK OF SUPPORT

Struggling yourself or worried about someone? You aren't alone. Our North East support network is available 24/7 to listen and help whenever you're ready.

Samaritans (North East Branches)

Who: Anyone in emotional distress or crisis.
Call: 116 123 (Free, 24/7) | Website

NHS Crisis Services (North East & North Cumbria)

Who: Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.
Call: 111 and select the Mental Health option (24/7).

Shout (Crisis Text Support)

Who: Anyone struggling to cope or in emotional distress (all ages).
How: Text SHOUT to 85258
When: 24/7

PAPYRUS (Prevention of Young Suicide)

Who: Under-35s and those worried about a young person.
Call: 0800 068 4141 | Text: 88247 (24/7) | Website

Specialised Support for Adults

James’ Place (Newcastle Centre)
Who: Men (18+) in suicidal crisis. Offers rapid, face-to-face clinical support.
Location: Summerhill Street, Newcastle | Call: 0191 406 6000 | Website
Everyturn Mental Health – Safe Havens
Who: Adults needing out-of-hours crisis support (alternative to A&E).
Where: Newcastle, Wallsend, Ashington | Hours: 2pm–10pm, 365 days a year. | Website

Community & Bereavement Support

If U Care Share

Who: Those at risk, their families, and those bereaved by suicide.
Call: 0191 387 5661 | Website

Tyneside and Northumberland Mind

Who: Adults experiencing distress or suicidal thoughts - covering Newcastle, Gateshead, North and South Tyneside, and Northumberland.
Call: 0330 174 3174 (Evenings and weekends) | Website

Wellbeing Hubs

Wellbeing Hubs are warm welcoming places to spend time in Newcastle. Local venues, such as libraries and community centres, offer a range of support including information, advice and more.