• Fan-led initiative announced by CST in response to the increase in mental health issues experienced by fans.

• Hub offers free information, advice and support sources in a confidential and familiar environment.

• Project developed with the support of Chelsea FC and the Chelsea Foundation to enable supporters to help their supporters.

The initiative, where fans who may be experiencing problems can speak confidentially to qualified mental health professionals and specialists in a familiar environment, will take place at the Tea Bar, next to the Stamford Bridge Ticket Office , and will be open from 11:30 a.m. .

The Mental Health Hub was founded by the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust as part of its wider Over the Line initiative launched in 2021. Over the Line is a mental health signage and education resource specifically aimed at Chelsea supporters. Chelsea. THE Website on the line aims to help people recognize their own issues and then find the resources that help them take that first step “over the line.”

This resource was launched by CST following the growing need to help Chelsea fans come to terms with their own mental health issues and help them take the next step.

It will be staffed by two qualified counselors from the charity Hammersmith & Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow Mind, as well as staff from the Chelsea Foundation, and will provide anyone experiencing difficulties with somewhere to go for support and advice.

The program was developed as a way for fans to help their fans and will offer free information, advice and sources of support on issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, addiction and OCD. There is also help for coping with grief, becoming a new parent, having difficulty sleeping, and more.

The Over the Line Mental Health Center welcomes all Chelsea fans and is a fan-led initiative, funded and supported by Chelsea FC and the Chelsea Foundation.

David Chidgey, board member of the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust and co-founder of Over the Line, said: “The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust is proud to have launched this important service for Chelsea supporters at Stamford Bridge. .

“Since the pandemic, data shows us that people are experiencing mental health problems more than ever. It is therefore essential that we help to change the often negative attitudes towards mental health.

“As we head into the new season, it is important for fans to help fans, and we hope the Matchday Mental Health Hub will encourage those who may be struggling to seek help and support in a familiar environment .”

Lord Daniel Finkelstein OBE, Chelsea Board Member and Chairman of the Chelsea FC Foundation, said: “Chelsea FC is delighted to help support the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust and its Over The Line initiative which provides important signposting services to seek to improve their wellbeing and mental health. This is a collaborative approach, working with the club, Chelsea FC Foundation, Chelsea Supporters’ Trust and Hammersmith & Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow Mind, and a great example of working together to contribute to positive change. We hope this will be the first of many fan-led initiatives we’ll see in the future.

Yvonne Jones, Acting Director of Adult Services and Head of Adult Safeguarding at Hammersmith & Fulham, Ealing and Hounslow Mind, said: “Teamwork is the basis of success, on and off the pitch. HFEH Mind is therefore delighted to partner with Chelsea FC and the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust to deliver the Over The Line campaign.

“In England, one in four people suffer from a mental health problem each year, and studies show that men are less likely to talk about their wellbeing. We therefore see campaigns like Over The Line as essential in raising awareness of mental health and the support services available. We look forward to meeting Chelsea fans on the day and finding new ways to work together in the future.