Whatever you’re facing today, you don’t have to face it alone.
The National League Wellbeing Hub provides trusted information, practical self-help and clear routes to support for players, staff and volunteers across National League football. It may also help families, friends and colleagues who are worried about someone.
No sign-in and no personal details. Nobody at your club is told which pages you open.
Explore topics
Choose a topic to understand the concern, take practical steps and find support.
A simple route to support
- Notice something
- Talk to someone you trust
- Club Welfare Officer or medical staff
- Professional or specialist support
- Emergency help when needed
Need to talk now?
Support is available.
Support from CALM
Campaign Against Living Miserably provides free, confidential support and practical resources.
Visit CALM
From The FA
Football-specific guidance on spotting the signs and starting a conversation.
The FA – ‘On Your Side’ suicide prevention toolkitFootball and sport-specific guidance to help people spot warning signs, start conversations and connect someone with support. Open toolkit The FA – Suicide Prevention videoWatch The FA’s suicide prevention video for football-specific awareness and support. Watch videoWorried about a child, or an adult at risk?
Martyn CannonDesignated Safeguarding Lead, The National Leaguesafeguarding@thenationalleague.org.uk
Benny WatsonDesignated Safeguarding Officer, Trident Leaguessafeguarding@tridentleagues.comThese are monitored inboxes rather than emergency lines. If somebody is not safe now, use the emergency numbers above as well.
Looking after your mental health
Everyone has mental health. It can change over time and may be affected by pressure, injury, relationships, work, education and events away from football.
You may find this page helpful if…
- You feel different from your usual self
- You are finding it harder to enjoy football or daily life
- Your sleep, appetite, energy or concentration have changed
- You want practical ways to protect your wellbeing
In football
Why this matters
Good mental health supports concentration, confidence, decision-making, relationships, recovery and enjoyment of football. Difficulties can affect anyone, regardless of their role or level in the game.
Signs to look out for
- Persistent worry, sadness or irritability
- Changes in sleep, appetite or energy
- Withdrawing from teammates, colleagues, friends or family
- Loss of motivation or enjoyment
- Using alcohol, drugs, gambling or other behaviours to cope
Things you can do today
- Talk to someone you trust
- Keep regular routines for sleep, food, hydration and movement
- Break problems into smaller, manageable steps
- Stay connected with people outside football
- Seek professional help if difficulties persist or affect everyday life
When should I seek help?
- Symptoms have lasted for around two weeks or more
- They are affecting football, work, education, relationships or daily life
- They are getting worse or your usual coping strategies are not helping
- You are worried about yourself or somebody else
Support inside football
- Club Welfare Officer
- Trusted manager, coach or colleague
- Club medical or player-care team
Support outside football
- Your GP
- NHS Talking Therapies
- Samaritans — 116 123
- Shout — text SHOUT to 85258
- Mind — 0300 123 3393
Further information
These links open trusted sources with more detailed information.
Immediate help
Call 999 or go to A&E if somebody is in immediate danger. For urgent mental-health support call NHS 111 and select the mental-health option. Samaritans are available free on 116 123.
Stress and anxiety
Stress is the body's response to pressure. Anxiety can involve continuing worry, fear or physical symptoms even after the immediate pressure has passed.
You may find this page helpful if…
- You are struggling to switch off
- Football or life feels overwhelming
- You are constantly worrying
- You have physical symptoms such as tension or a racing heart
In football
Why this matters
Selection, contracts, performance, injury, travel, social media and balancing football with work, education or family life can all create pressure.
Signs to look out for
- Racing thoughts or constant worry
- Tension, headaches, nausea or a racing heart
- Poor sleep
- Irritability or avoiding situations
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Things you can do today
- Slow your breathing and focus on the present
- Write down what is within your control
- Plan recovery time after matches and travel
- Reduce caffeine and avoid using alcohol to cope
- Speak to someone early rather than waiting for a crisis
When should I seek help?
- Symptoms have lasted for around two weeks or more
- They are affecting football, work, education, relationships or daily life
- They are getting worse or your usual coping strategies are not helping
- You are worried about yourself or somebody else
Support inside football
- Club Welfare Officer
- Manager or coach
- Club medical team
Support outside football
- Your GP
- NHS Talking Therapies
- Mind
- Samaritans — 116 123
Further information
These links open trusted sources with more detailed information.
Immediate help
Call 999 or go to A&E if somebody is in immediate danger. For urgent mental-health support call NHS 111 and select the mental-health option. Samaritans are available free on 116 123.
Depression and low mood
Low mood is common after disappointment or stress. Depression is more persistent and can affect thoughts, sleep, appetite, confidence, relationships and everyday functioning.
You may find this page helpful if…
- You have felt low for a while
- You have lost interest in things you normally enjoy
- You feel hopeless, guilty or worthless
- Your mood is affecting football, work or relationships
In football
Why this matters
Release, injury, non-selection, criticism and uncertainty can affect identity and confidence. Depression is an illness, not a lack of toughness or commitment.
Signs to look out for
- Low mood most days
- Loss of interest or enjoyment
- Hopelessness, guilt or feeling worthless
- Low energy and poor concentration
- Thoughts of death, suicide or self-harm
Things you can do today
- Tell someone what is happening
- Maintain basic routines even when motivation is low
- Avoid isolating yourself
- Book an appointment with your GP
- Use urgent help immediately if you may harm yourself
When should I seek help?
- Symptoms have lasted for around two weeks or more
- They are affecting football, work, education, relationships or daily life
- They are getting worse or your usual coping strategies are not helping
- You are worried about yourself or somebody else
Support inside football
- Club Welfare Officer
- Trusted club contact
- Club medical or player-care staff
Support outside football
- Your GP
- NHS Talking Therapies
- Samaritans — 116 123
- Shout — text SHOUT to 85258
- NHS 111 for urgent help
Further information
These links open trusted sources with more detailed information.
Immediate help
Call 999 or go to A&E if somebody is in immediate danger. For urgent mental-health support call NHS 111 and select the mental-health option. Samaritans are available free on 116 123.
Suicidal thoughts and crisis support
Suicidal thoughts can affect anyone and should always be taken seriously. Help is available and nobody should manage this alone.
Talk to CALM
Free, anonymous support and practical help for anyone struggling with life or affected by suicidal thoughts.
Get support
You may find this page helpful if…
- You are thinking about suicide or self-harm
- You feel trapped, hopeless or unable to cope
- You are worried that someone else may be unsafe
- You need urgent support now
In football
Why this matters
Football pressures may add to personal difficulties, but suicide is rarely caused by one issue. A caring and direct conversation can help someone access support.
Signs to look out for
- Talking about wanting to die or being a burden
- Feeling trapped, hopeless or unable to cope
- Giving away possessions or saying goodbye
- Sudden withdrawal or a major change in behaviour
- Making plans or searching for methods
Things you can do today
- Call 999 if there is immediate danger
- Go to A&E or contact NHS 111 for urgent help
- Stay with the person where it is safe to do so
- Listen calmly and take them seriously
- Do not promise secrecy when somebody may be at risk
When should I seek help?
- Now. Do not wait to see whether it passes.
- Do not wait until you are certain it is serious enough.
- If you are not safe, or not sure you are safe, use the emergency numbers below.
- If you are worried about somebody else, speak to them today.
Support inside football
- Club Welfare Officer
- Club safeguarding lead
- Trusted senior club contact
Support outside football
- Emergency services — 999
- Nearest A&E
- NHS 111
- Samaritans — 116 123
- Shout — text SHOUT to 85258
Further information
These links open trusted sources with more detailed information.
Immediate help
Call 999 or go to A&E if somebody is in immediate danger. For urgent mental-health support call NHS 111 and select the mental-health option. Samaritans are available free on 116 123.
Sleep and recovery
Sleep supports physical recovery, concentration, mood, immunity and decision-making.
You may find this page helpful if…
- You are struggling to fall asleep or stay asleep
- You feel exhausted during the day
- Your mood or concentration is affected
- Travel, evening fixtures or worry are disrupting recovery
In football
Why this matters
Evening fixtures, travel, adrenaline, pain and irregular routines can disrupt sleep. Poor sleep can affect reaction time, mood, recovery and performance.
Signs to look out for
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Daytime fatigue
- Poor concentration or slower reactions
- Irritability or low mood
- Increasing reliance on caffeine, alcohol or medication
Things you can do today
- Keep regular sleep and wake times where possible
- Create a wind-down routine after evening fixtures
- Reduce caffeine later in the day
- Avoid alcohol as a sleep aid
- Seek medical advice for persistent insomnia or heavy snoring
When should I seek help?
- Symptoms have lasted for around two weeks or more
- They are affecting football, work, education, relationships or daily life
- They are getting worse or your usual coping strategies are not helping
- You are worried about yourself or somebody else
Support inside football
- Club medical or performance staff
- Manager or coach
- Club Welfare Officer
Support outside football
- Your GP
- NHS sleep guidance
- Mental-health support if worry or low mood is affecting sleep
Further information
These links open trusted sources with more detailed information.
Immediate help
Call 999 or go to A&E if somebody is in immediate danger. For urgent mental-health support call NHS 111 and select the mental-health option. Samaritans are available free on 116 123.
Gambling and betting harms
Football's connection with betting can make gambling feel normal. Harm can affect finances, relationships, mental health, employment and integrity responsibilities.
You may find this page helpful if…
- You are gambling more than you planned
- You are chasing losses or hiding gambling
- Money worries are increasing
- Gambling is affecting football, work or relationships
In football
Why this matters
People working in football may be subject to strict betting rules. Gambling can also create disciplinary, safeguarding and financial concerns.
Signs to look out for
- Chasing losses
- Hiding gambling
- Borrowing money to bet
- Betting to escape stress or low mood
- Missing training, work or family commitments
Things you can do today
- Stop and put practical blocks in place
- Tell someone you trust
- Do not borrow money to recover losses
- Use bank, device and self-exclusion controls
- Seek specialist help early
When should I seek help?
- Symptoms have lasted for around two weeks or more
- They are affecting football, work, education, relationships or daily life
- They are getting worse or your usual coping strategies are not helping
- You are worried about yourself or somebody else
Support inside football
- Club Welfare Officer
- Marc Williams — EPIC Global Solutions. Ex-professional footballer supporting players and others affected by gambling harm. Contact him directly; you do not need to go through your club. Call 07513 552420 or email Mwilliams@epicglobalsolutions.com
- Trusted senior club contact
Support outside football
- GamCare National Gambling Helpline — 0808 8020 133
- GAMSTOP
- Your GP
- Free debt-advice service
Further information
These links open trusted sources with more detailed information.
Immediate help
Call 999 or go to A&E if somebody is in immediate danger. For urgent mental-health support call NHS 111 and select the mental-health option. Samaritans are available free on 116 123.
Alcohol and drugs
Alcohol and drug misuse can affect sleep, mood, judgement, relationships, fitness, conduct and injury recovery.
You may find this page helpful if…
- You are drinking or using drugs more often
- You use alcohol or drugs to cope, relax or sleep
- Your mood, relationships or performance are affected
- You are worried about medication or supplement use
In football
Why this matters
Substance use may affect attendance, performance, safety and anti-doping responsibilities. It can also become a way of coping with stress, injury or low mood.
Signs to look out for
- Using more often or in larger amounts
- Needing alcohol or drugs to relax, cope or sleep
- Mood changes, irritability or aggression
- Declining attendance, motivation or performance
- Hiding use or experiencing financial, legal or relationship problems
Things you can do today
- Avoid recreational drugs
- Stay within UK low-risk alcohol guidance
- Do not mix alcohol with medication without professional advice
- Seek medical advice before suddenly stopping if dependent
- Check medication and supplements against anti-doping requirements
When should I seek help?
- Symptoms have lasted for around two weeks or more
- They are affecting football, work, education, relationships or daily life
- They are getting worse or your usual coping strategies are not helping
- You are worried about yourself or somebody else
Support inside football
- Club Welfare Officer
- Club medical team
- Trusted manager or senior club contact
Support outside football
- Your GP or local NHS alcohol and drug service
- FRANK — 0300 123 6600
- Alcoholics Anonymous
- WithYou
Further information
These links open trusted sources with more detailed information.
Immediate help
Call 999 or go to A&E if somebody is in immediate danger. For urgent mental-health support call NHS 111 and select the mental-health option. Samaritans are available free on 116 123.
Helping someone else
You do not need to be an expert. A calm conversation, listening carefully and helping someone reach the right support can make a real difference.
Signs somebody may be struggling
- Changes in mood, behaviour, attendance or appearance
- Withdrawal from teammates, colleagues, friends or family
- Loss of confidence, motivation or enjoyment
- Increased alcohol, drug or gambling behaviour
- Comments about hopelessness, self-harm or suicide
How to start the conversation
- Choose a private and suitable time
- Say what you have noticed without judging them
- Ask: “How are you really doing?”
- Listen more than you speak
- Ask what support would feel helpful
- Check in again afterwards
What not to do
- Do not dismiss their feelings or tell them simply to be stronger
- Do not promise secrecy where somebody may be at risk
- Do not try to diagnose them
- Do not leave somebody alone when there is immediate danger
Where to get help
- Club Welfare Officer
- Trusted manager, coach or senior club contact
- Club medical or player-care staff
- GP, NHS 111 or a specialist support service
- 999 or A&E in an emergency