Johnny CantorAlbion Commentator, BBC Radio Sussex
BBC
Chris Hughton joins the likes of Jurgen Klopp and former Seagulls boss Graham Potter in supporting the Shine a Light campaign.
Robin GreySports Editor, BBC Radio Sussex
Former Brighton & Hove Albion boss Chris Hughton has joined dozens of top managers in a campaign tackling mental health issues.
He is calling on people to take a 30-minute online training course which helps spot signs in people considering taking their own life.
The 66-year-old has joined Premier League managers Pep Guardiola and Eddie Howe in the “Shining a Light on Suicide” campaign.
Hughton said: “I always thought you’d got to shy away from mentioning the word suicide, but from what I learnt from the course, it’s important to talk about it.
“It’s about pointing people in the direction of professional help, spotting those signs and navigating around it.”
If you are experiencing emotional stress, help and support is available via the BBC Action Line here.
The “Shining a Light on Suicide” campaign, is a mental health initiative run with the League Managers Association (LMA) and the NHS in Manchester.
Dozens of top footballing managers have taken part in a new film to encourage people to know the warning signs and help prevent people from taking their own lives.
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Hughton led Brighton to the Premier League during his four-and-a-half years in charge.
Hughton said he has noticed a greater awareness of support for players during his coaching career.
“Football has changed a lot since I was playing,” he said.
“Now the communication between a group of staff has changed, you might get the physio come to you and say, ‘you should have a word with that player’.
“The support network at clubs is better than it used to be and the relationship you have with players is different. That environment is better.”
‘I keep busy’
Albion Unlimited: Chris Hughton interview
Hughton joined the Seagulls in 2014 before guiding them to promotion to the Premier League in 2017.
The former Newcastle United, Birmingham City and Norwich City manager still holds his time at the Amex as some of the best times in his career.
“I bump into a lot of Brighton supporters, it was an incredibly proud moment for me in my career,” he said.
“I remember coming into a wonderful training ground, the team were in the bottom three but it never felt that way.”
Hughton’s last job was taking charge of Ghana, and he isn’t ruling out another role in management
He said: “I don’t know if someone will put something to me next week, (or) next month. I’m not closing the door, but I do keep busy.”