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 around St. James’ Park. Each bench features prompts designed to turn casual ‘terrace talk’ into meaningful conversations about wellbeing.
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In a region where suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 50, these benches serve a vital purpose: breaking the silence.
“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.
Over 10,000 people of all ages have already benefited from Be A Game Changer’s wide-ranging physical and mental wellbeing programmes.
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These include 12th Man & 12th Woman programmes, Walking Football, and Wellbeing Workshops. Find out more here.
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)
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Who: Anyone in emotional distress or crisis.
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Call: 116 123 (Free, 24/7) | Website
NHS Crisis Services (North East & North Cumbria)
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Who: Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.
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Call: 111 and select the Mental Health option (24/7).
Shout (Crisis Text Support)
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Who: Anyone struggling to cope or in emotional distress (all ages).
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How: Text SHOUT to 85258
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When: 24/7
PAPYRUS (Prevention of Young Suicide)
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Who: Under-35s and those worried about a young person.
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Call: 0800 068 4141 | Text: 88247 (24/7) | Website
Specialised Support for Adults
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James’ Place (Newcastle Centre)
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Who: Men (18+) in suicidal crisis. Offers rapid, face-to-face clinical support.
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Location: Summerhill Street, Newcastle | Call: 0191 406 6000 | Website
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Everyturn Mental Health – Safe Havens
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Who: Adults needing out-of-hours crisis support (alternative to A&E).
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Where: Newcastle, Wallsend, Ashington | Hours: 2pm–10pm, 365 days a year. | Website
Community & Bereavement Support
If U Care Share
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Who: Those at risk, their families, and those bereaved by suicide.
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Call: 0191 387 5661 | Website
Tyneside and Northumberland Mind
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Who: Adults experiencing distress or suicidal thoughts – covering Newcastle, Gateshead, North and South Tyneside, and Northumberland.
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Call: 0330 174 3174 (Evenings and weekends) | Website
Wellbeing Hubs
Wellbeing Hubs are warm welcoming place to spend time in Newcastle. Local venues, such as libraries and community centres, offer a range of support including information, advice and more.
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Where: You can find more information here.
