Sheffield Wednesday have signed a mental health pledge to launch a suicide prevention initiative at the club. The commitment provides training across all departments to foster a psychologically safe environment for staff, players and supporters.
The initiative aims to help people recognise when someone may be struggling and know how to respond. It encourages sharing thoughts, asking for help and accessing professional support to prevent suicide. The club confirmed the pledge is part of a broader effort to improve mental health awareness in football.
Vaulks leads ambassador role
Former Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Will Vaulks is acting as ambassador for the project. The 33-year-old, who won the club's fan-voted player of the season award in 2023, is using a grant from the PFA to pilot the pledge at an English club. Vaulks spent two years at Hillsborough and played a key role in the 2023 play-off campaign that secured promotion to the Championship.
He became an ambassador for the 'Baton of Hope' charity during his time with the Owls and won the FIFPRO Player Voice Award last year. Vaulks, who lost both grandfathers to suicide in his youth, said he chose Sheffield Wednesday because he had two great years there as a player and wanted to give back. He is currently the captain of Tranmere Rovers and a Wales international.
Club figures back the cause
Current Sheffield Wednesday captain Liam Palmer has voiced his strong support for the initiative. Palmer said discussions around mental health are vitally important. The club's cross-city rivals, Sheffield United, are among other clubs that have also signed the pledge.
The initiative comes as the club builds on a positive start to the season under new ownership. Sheffield Wednesday sit second in the standings with 14 points from seven games, having lost just once. Their recent form is strong, with the team scoring 12 goals so far this season, averaging over 1.7 goals per 90 minutes. The club's next challenge, is an away fixture against sixth-placed Huddersfield on 10 October.
Club officials acknowledged recent off-field pressures and on-field struggles have affected employees mentally and financially. The new initiative is designed to foster resilience and support during this period of transition toward a brighter future. Training will be rolled out to all departments, including the academy and first team, as part of the signed pledge. The club's commitment extends across the entire squad, ensuring everyone from senior players to youth prospects has access to this vital support.
First reported at thestar.co.uk
