BEACON BEAMS BLUE FOR NHS

The award-winning Beacon of Light will join other Sunderland landmarks tonight and shine blue to show solidarity with the NHS and the blue light services who are working hard to keep the country safe during the COVID-19 crisis. It comes as the nation shows its appreciation for the brilliant work being done, as hundreds of thousands of people will take to their front doors, gardens and balconies tonight at 8pm for the NHS Clap for Carers. Staff from Sunderland AFC’s official charity, Foundation of Light, have lent their support to their campaign by releasing a video of staff from across the region clapping in their homes, which includes Beacon staff clapping outside the award-winning building. [embed]https://youtu.be/HZIO0rorQpI[/embed] Despite the Beacon closure as part of the national lockdown, the Foundation of Light has continued its work to protect the most vulnerable across Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham. The Beacon of Light has lent defibrillators to the South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust for use during the crisis, and contacted a number of partners across the region to encourage them to do the same. Foundation staff have also been supporting the Sunderland Foodbank, helping to package up and deliver vital food parcels and answer the phones.

As a charity rooted in the heart of our community, our role at times like these is to help and support our partners to protect those most in need. We are working hard to support a number of other charities and partners to ensure that those that need support are getting the help they need at this challenging time

Jamie Wright, Foundation of Light’s Managing Director

How to Get Involved #FoLFightsBack The Foundation has started a new campaign called #FoLFightsBack, which showcases the award-winning charity’s work to support communities as the nation fights COVID-19. A key part of the campaign is a range of daily and weekly sport, exercise and creative challenges via its social media channels to keep people active, mentally and physically, during the lockdown period. If you  would like to get involved and receive top tips on keeping busy, healthy wellbeing or home-schooling visit Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. Thank You for Making a Difference The Foundation matters to our communities now more than ever before and we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has, and continues to, support us. Sadly, the North East has one of the highest deprivation rates in the country, with a number of communities in the Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham living in the top 10% most-deprived areas in the UK. For those communities, COVID-19 could spell disaster. For so many we are a vital lifeline, helping thousands to improve their lives. Together we are making a difference. Thank you.