Brighton's Fabian Hurzeler 'touched' by mental health video

Brighton & Hove Albion head coach Fabian Hurzeler said he was "touched" by a video which has been released as part of a new mental health campaign.

In partnership with suicide prevention charity Samaritans, the club have launched a video highlighting the importance of men talking.

Hurzeler said: "The video touched me. It's quite emotional and it's a big topic nowadays therefore I just can't emphasise enough to everyone if you have any problems, open, find a person you trust and speak about that."

Samaritans has also been providing safe spaces and trained listeners at Brighton men's and women's home matches as part of the campaign.

Hurzeler added: "It's a little bit like in football, there might be phases you're in a bad place, but there's always a solution.

"There's always a way to step out of your bad phase, there's always something waiting for you in the future that will be more positive."

As part of the campaign, there will also be courses on listening skills at The Amex, Brighton's stadium, and the training ground for 1,901 fans, a reference to the year the club was founded.

The work is in association with the Premier League and Samaritans' Together Against Suicide campaign, which involves all 20 clubs in the league working to raise awareness.

Richard Masters, the Premier League's chief executive, said: "Sadly, suicide is an issue that affects people of all ages from all backgrounds.

"We believe football can play a vital role in reducing the stigma around it and connecting fans who are experiencing suicidal thoughts with the support they need."

Julie Bentley, chief executive at Samaritans, said: "A moment of connection can be all it takes to save a life.

"Together against suicide is an amazing opportunity to reach thousands of people with the message that it's okay to talk, and that support is always there."

The video was played at half-time in the Seagulls match against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

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