The PFA have recruited a team of former players who have overcome mental health issues and addiction to provide a support network for members who are experiencing similar problems.
Five former professionals are among a group of 13 qualified counsellors set up as part of a network launched last month at The House of Commons.
PFA Executive and former player Michael Bennett has been appointed Head of Player Welfare at the PFA and will be assisted by West Ham psychologist and ex-Huddersfield midfielder Lee Richardson, former Bristol City defender Andy Jordan, ex-Rochdale striker Andy Milner and former Coventry defender Sam Shilton.
The PFA will work closely with the Sporting Chance Clinic and are also likely to draw on the expertise of Darren Eadie, the former Norwich forward who suffered from depression and has now set up a national helpline, and Vincent Pericard, who since retiring has set up a company aimed at helping foreign players avoid depression and loneliness by adapting to life in England.
Former Charlton midfielder Paul Mortimer is training to be a counsellor while Leon McKenzie, the ex-Crystal Palace striker who has suffered from depression, is also involved.
Michael Bennett, who suffered from depression after rupturing knee ligaments at the age of 20, believes it is vital his team can empathise with players who phone for help.
Speaking to the Chris Wheeler at the Daily Mail, Michael explained: "'All of them have gone through some kind of issue, even myself, and that's why they've gone into this field, they've been there.
"They know first-hand. When players call you and don't know who you are, you say you've played football and the language you use makes them more comfortable. The empathy they offer is great.
"It's open to players and former members. Anything related to stress, panic attacks, anger, behavioural problems, as well as gambling or drugs; even not being able to deal with the pressure of football or not earning what they used to. That brings on pressure in itself and problems with the marriage or kids.
"I knew there was a need for it. If you pull a hamstring, you get treatment for it. If you've got mental health issues, we're offering treatment for that."
All contact made with the PFA will be initially dealt with by Michael, whether they are from the players themselves or concerned friends and family. He will then assess the issue before deciding whether to call in one of his counsellors.
Recent increased awareness of the issues has resulted in a higher number of calls received by the PFA, a fact that doesn't surprise Michael: "I always felt once the awareness was raised people would utilise the network.
"I saw 54 players last year one-to-one just because people were more aware of what is available to them and I've seen 17 so far this year.
"The majority of the counsellors are engaged with players now and some have two or three."
The PFA were addressing issues of mental health and addiction within the game even before Speed tragically took his own life in November 2011 at the age of 42, but the new system builds on the foundations already in place.
PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor said recently: "There is a much greater awareness that mental welfare is as important as physical welfare.
"'We want to embrace it. It's not something to be treated as "pull yourself together, you're just feeling down because you're not in the team or not scoring goals". There's a big difference between feeling down and clinical depression.
"The programme is there to keep players away from danger areas -all the things they can be sucked into. It can be the end of the road for a player's career."
Any members can contact Michael confidentially by emailing: wellbeing@thepfa.co.uk
See the original interview with Chris Wheeler, Daily Mail here.
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