Lampard fronts mental health campaign as he urges fans to check in on friends

Frank Lampard is supporting the launch of a new mental health initiative called 'Support Someone Else', which encourages people to reach out and provide support to loved ones over the festive period.

The partnership between Chelsea, sponsors Three and Three's longstanding mental health charity partner Time to Change is encouraging people to pick up the phone and contact people, who people may not even realise are struggling.

A recent research report by Time to Change found that on average, men have three fewer people in their support network since the pandemic hit, with some men citing not being able to meet face-to-face - like at a football match - as a reason they had fewer people to turn to - and Lampard is fully supportive of this message.

'As manager of Chelsea Football Club, I have called this press conference to announce that we want fans at home and abroad to support someone else,' Lampard said.

'Everyone here at the Club, together with our partners Three, would like you to support each other this Christmas - because this year has been tough on everyone. And while Christmas time is a happy time for some, for others it can be incredibly difficult.

'Some people may be struggling with their mental health and can often feel isolated and alone. Think about who this might be in your life. It might be your Dad, who lives on his own, or a friend who has gone quiet on the group chat, or maybe even a team-mate who doesn't seem themselves.

'This Christmas you can make a difference by supporting someone else. Make that call that you've been meaning to make. Send that WhatsApp and check in on others.

'So, please support someone else this Christmas.'

According to the latest statistics the impact of lockdown loneliness across all gender and ages, has reached record levels according to the latest Office for National Statistics report.

Guy Laurence, Chelsea FC CEO, said: 'We loved this idea from the moment Three started discussing it with us and we're proud that our teams and managers will be championing the idea to 'Support Someone Else'.

'Everyone has had their struggles this year. While there seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel, we need to continue to support each other as much as we can.

'Christmas will be different for us all, but both ourselves and Three want to do all we can to encourage our fans and the football community to get behind this initiative and support each other more than ever during this festive period.'