Plymouth Argyle's Every 90 Minutes initiative has placed five new seats along the railings outside the Devonport End at their Home Park stadium. Each seat stands for a life lost to suicide in the UK in the time it takes to play a home league match, creating a visible symbol of a nationwide concern the club aims to help tackle. Started on World Mental Health Day, this season-long effort seeks to increase understanding, fight stigma, and promote discussion about mental wellbeing.
Chief executive Paul Berne has highlighted what the campaign means. "Our Every 90 minutes campaign is a stark reminder that suicide is a prevalent issue that impacts the lives of everyone," Berne stated. He noted the club intends to leverage football's wide reach to bring mental health into focus across Devon and Cornwall. The project collaborates with several local groups, such as Plymouth City Council, Andy’s Man Club, The Clean Sheet, The Lighthouse Charity, and the Argyle Community Trust, to create a support network.
Campaign partners and activities
An emotional film showing fans telling their own stories has been shared to foster a sense of connection. The club is directing supporters to available help, advising anyone struggling to reach out. Suggested actions include dialing a national helpline number for mental health support, calling the Samaritans, or texting a crisis service. For a critical emergency, the instruction is to call emergency services. Manager Tom Cleverley has also recognized the campaign's value. "It's a huge topic, especially for guys my age. It's that demographic that it affects heavily," Cleverley remarked.
The installation of the five seats corresponds with the number of home league games played since the campaign began with a match against AFC Wimbledon in October. That game, won by Argyle with a late goal, started this visual memorial. The team's successful performances, which have them at the summit of the league table, form part of the season's narrative. The campaign's moving tribute will be ongoing as the squad gets ready for its next home game.
Future community involvement
More events are scheduled for the coming months, including bringing back the Open Home Park Café over the festive period. This café, designed to reduce loneliness, saw good attendance previously. In the longer term, Plymouth Argyle has promised to back a national suicide prevention campaign when it comes to the area in the future. The Every 90 Minutes project will run all season, with an additional seat fixed to the railings after each of the club's home league fixtures.
The original report is at Plymouth Live
