Ex-Crystal Palace striker backs World Cup conversation that could save a life
Leon McKenzie is speaking as CALM launch a new campaign to 'support your mates'
Former Crystal Palace striker Leon McKenzie's urging us to open up about our mental health during the World Cup.
The forward, who also had spells at Norwich and Peterborough before embarking on a boxing career has been speaking to Hits Radio 00s as research from suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) reveals the life-saving potential of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
It highlights what CALM describe as a clear "World Cup effect" when it comes to our mental health:
- A third of Brits (30%) finding it easier to start difficult conversations during the tournament
- 44% experience a greater sense of belonging as a result.
- For those involved in grassroots sports clubs, the impact is even more profound- 52% find it easier to open up to teammates, and 66% feel a heightened sense of community.
Leon McKenzie talks about family history of suicide
McKenzie, a long-term ambassador for CALM told us: "A lost my sister to suicide, I lost my uncle to suicide. They didn't have this chance to speak about what they were truly going through.
"It gives me a different sort of power, a different insight to be able to speak for those that couldn't."
When it comes to the World Cup, Leon says we shouldn't miss any opportunity to open up a conversation - regardless of how the home nations go in the tournament:
He said: "We could actually win it! At the same time we've still got to check on our friends, on our close ones. That's the most important message: When it all looks glamorous from the outside, what's really going on with that someone who is right beside you?
"I think in life, some people are scared of opening up a question they don't want to hear the answer to. That's not because they don't care, that's because they don't know how to cope with that answer."
Reasons why people don't talk about mental health
Fear remains the biggest obstacle preventing people starting a conversation.
While 72% of respondents say they would do anything to save a friend, only around 1 in 6 (17%) people feel ready to ask "are you thinking about suicide?", with over a third of people (35%) worrying that asking the question will make things worse.
The suicide-prevention charity has launched the interactive Conversation Coach as part of their Support Your Mates campaign, providing fans with the confidence to navigate these conversations and offering clear examples of what to say when a mate opens up.
Simon Gunning, CEO of Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), said: “It’s no surprise that the World Cup has a super power when it comes to being there for your mates. Football is more than a game for so many of us - and that’s in no small part down to the communities that exist around it. The people we celebrate and commiserate with.
"Our research shows that this provides us with a unique opportunity to connect, so we're encouraging fans to not only support their teams but also their mates this summer. A small conversation on matchday could be life-saving”.
Support your mates with help from CALM
The data reinforces the critical role of social sports clubs: 82% of grassroots players who have experienced suicidal thoughts say their club helped reduce them, while 70% credit their club with having a positive impact on their mental health.
The Conversation Coach is available at the calmzone.net, along with CALM’s life-saving suicide prevention helpline and online mental health resources, which are available for anyone who needs them.