Thursday 1 October 2026
The pre-match takeover, ahead of the 3pm kick-off, will remind people that they don’t have to wait until things feel unbearable before asking for help.
The Poolies Matter campaign is led by our trust, along with Hartlepool United and its charitable foundation, United for the Community. It uses stories from local people to remind the football community that support is there for them when they need it. It also shares useful self-help resources and details of support organisations.
Poolies will recognise footballing faces in the campaign video, alongside an NHS nurse from our trust, that will be shared across social media in the run up to the match.
Support in local communities
Jamie Todd, our trust’s care group director of operations and transformation, said: “Getting support early can stop problems building up and help people feel more able to cope.
“We work with a lot of organisations in Hartlepool that all want the same thing; to make sure people get the right support for them, in their community, when they need it.
“I know the power of football in bringing people together and we want to use that opportunity to remind and encourage people to seek help if they are struggling.”
Pools fan Stephen shares why early help matters
Pools fan Stephen is supporting the campaign after NHS talking therapy helped him through a period of depression. Following several family bereavements and ill-health retirement, he felt there was no pleasure in life and could not see a way forward. His wife encouraged him to speak to his doctor, which led him to support from a team from our trust.
Stephen said: “At the first session I was really upset and it all just came out, but it slowly got better. I could talk about things I couldn’t always say to my family because I didn’t want to upset them.
“I’d encourage anybody who feels that bad to get help. Whether you’ve lost loved ones, work has gone wrong or there is just too much getting on top of you, getting support before it gets too bad can make all the difference.”
Find out more about Stephen’s story and Poolies Matter.
