Peter Crouch has launched a mental health campaign in which Samaritans-trained taxi drivers will give free lifts to football fans – on the condition that they have a chat.
The cabs will offer lifts from West Brompton station to Stamford Bridge next Thursday for Chelsea’s match against Tottenham on a first come, first serve basis.
Former England and Spurs striker Crouch is fronting the campaign, squeezing his 6ft 7in frame into a taxi for a photo op this week.
The Three UK #TalkMoreThanFootball campaign came about after research showed that two-thirds (64 per cent) of football fans struggle with their mental health and 42 per cent say they have received support from a cab driver.
“It's so important that we talk about mental health as a normal part of our everyday lives – that we break down the stigma and feel more comfortable to open up,” said the 44-year-old, who now presents That Peter Crouch Podcast.
“Football brings us together, so just as we support our football team, we should also support each other. It’s as easy as a text, phone call or a quick ‘how’s your week been?’ to connect, whether you’re heading to the stadium or heading home. It sounds simple but it’s a great place to start.”
Whether Tottenham’s under-fire manager Ange Postecoglou will require a taxi himself after the match is up for debate, as Spurs endure one of their worst seasons in recent years.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are lying fourth and fans will be hoping for a good result against their north London rivals to elevate them in the Champions League.
Crouch played for Spurs from 2009 to 2011 and won 42 caps for England.
He married model Abbey Clancy in 2011 and, despite his apparently happy life, he has opened up about his own mental struggles.
“I do think it’s getting better and people like myself, who are in that kind of world, speaking out about it and saying it’s okay to be vulnerable, will help,” he told Hello last year.
Taxis will depart from West Brompton for Stamford Bridge from 7pm on Thursday April 3 before the Chelsea match against Tottenham. The taxis cannot be booked in advance.
