Peter Crouch partners with Samaritans to provide complimentary taxi service
Football fans often find themselves struggling with their mental health, as revealed by new research that two-thirds of fans face this issue. Surprisingly, nearly half of these fans, 42% to be exact, turn to taxi drivers for support. The study, conducted by Three UK, discovered that the anonymity provided by a taxi ride can create a safe space for fans to open up about personal issues. 40% of fans agreed that the private setting of a taxi makes it easier to talk about their feelings, while 50% believe it’s simpler to confide in a stranger for fear of judgment.
To address the mental health challenges faced by football enthusiasts, Three has reintroduced its #TalkMoreThanFootball campaign for the third year. This initiative, in collaboration with Samaritans and Chelsea FC, aims to encourage fans of all ages to engage in conversations beyond football. To kick start this campaign, former England striker and current podcaster, Peter Crouch, has joined forces with Three to launch a fleet of mental health-focused taxis. These taxis will be driven by specially trained cabbies from Samaritans to facilitate open discussions between passengers.
Peter Crouch, who has had his own battles with mental health stemming from body image issues and bullying, emphasizes the importance of normalizing conversations around mental well-being. He believes that just as fans come together to support their favorite football teams, they should also provide support to each other on a personal level. According to Peter, initiating a conversation can be as simple as checking in with a text, phone call, or a casual inquiry about one’s well-being.
On April 3rd, Three’s mental health taxis will offer complimentary rides to passengers willing to discuss their mental health or simply connect with one another during the journey. The taxis will operate from West Brompton Tube station to Stamford Bridge in London, ahead of the Premier League match between Chelsea FC and Tottenham Hotspur. The idea for these mental health taxis stemmed from a study of 2,000 UK football fans, where 42% revealed feeling more comfortable discussing personal matters with taxi drivers than with their friends due to a lack of judgment.
Despite acknowledging the potential benefit of discussing mental health with friends in enhancing their friendships, over half of football fans admitted hesitancy to broach the subject within their football friend groups. This reluctance is further reflected in the fact that many fans have refrained from discussing their mental health due to perceived negativity in football culture. The study also found that having quieter and more private spaces to converse could encourage fans to open up about their mental health.
In response to the findings, Samaritans emphasized the importance of creating a culture where individuals feel empowered to talk about their struggles. Three UK & Ireland echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the impact of a simple check-in or conversation in supporting those around us. Both organizations noted that fostering connections, whether in-person or through technology, can foster a sense of belonging and provide crucial support to those in need.
To engage with Three’s #TalkMoreThanFootball initiative, individuals can visit West Brompton Station on the evening of April 3rd for a complimentary ride in one of the mental health taxis on a first-come, first-served basis. Additionally, interested individuals can find more information on the campaign on Three’s website. Football fans are encouraged to seize this opportunity to connect and support each other beyond the realm of football.