Club and Foundation spotlight organisations for Mental Health Awareness

Sunderland AFC and the Foundation of Light will host a special matchday to raise awareness of mental health challenges and highlight the work of organisations committed to supporting the local community.

During the Black Cats' clash with Derby County on Tuesday night, a number of services will be showcased as we shine a light on the work being done across the North East.

There will be a dedicated Fan Zone at the Beacon of Light, with stalls promoting initiatives including Ripple Suicide Prevention, Impact North East, Game of II Halves, and SPACE North East.

Game of II Halves: Promoting Mental Wellbeing Through Football

Game of II Halves is Foundation of Light's mental health and suicide prevention initiative for men aged 16+ in Sunderland and funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.

The programme offers workshops, SHUSH training and empowers participants to become ambassadors for mental health.

By leveraging football, it encourages open discussions and builds a supportive network for Sunderland AFC fans and the community.

For more information, visit the Matchday Fan Zone at the Beacon of Light or contact jade.gilbertson@foundationoflight.co.uk

Ripple Suicide Prevention: Saving Lives through Digital Innovation

R;pple is an innovative browser tool, founded by Alice Hendy MBE after the tragic loss of her brother Josh, that intervenes in harmful online searches relating to self-harm and suicide, offering users breathing exercises and directing them to mental health resources and helplines. Since its launch, R;pple has intercepted over 50,000 dangerous searches and is used by nearly 2 million people weekly.

Sunderland AFC has partnered with R;pple to deploy this tool across key sites at the club, deliver mental health workshops for academy scholars, and spread awareness to the fanbase. As Alice says, "This is far more than a partnership—it’s saving lives." Fans are encouraged to engage with their mental health, opening doors to essential support.

R;pple will be attending the Beacon of Light pre-match to meet supporters. Alice will be pitch-side at half time to share more information.

For more information on R;pple Suicide Prevention, please visit www.ripplesuicideprevention.com or email info@ripplesuicideprevention.com.

Impact North East: Comprehensive Support for Fans and Families

Impact North East is dedicated to ensuring that mental health support is as accessible as physical health care. Through its initiative, The Game of Mental Health Matters, the organisation provides tailored mental health services to individuals, communities, and businesses across the region. Working closely with Sunderland AFC’s Supporters Heaven Branch, Impact North East runs face-to-face and online counselling sessions, as well as monthly bereavement support groups for fans.

With funding from the National Lottery, Impact North East continues to expand its services, reaching more Sunderland fans and offering mental health care at crucial times. The partnership aims to ensure that every supporter knows that help is available when they need it.

For further information on Impact North East, please visit www.impactnortheast.co.uk

SPACE North East: Helping Men Find Support

Founded by Sunderland native James Fildes, SPACE North East supports men in the region suffering from depression, loneliness, and anxiety. With the North East experiencing some of the highest suicide rates in the country, SPACE North East is dedicated to reducing those numbers through peer-to-peer support groups, motivational talks, walking groups, and educational events.

James’ own battle with depression and near-suicide fuelled his passion for creating a space where men can seek help before reaching a breaking point. Held weekly at the Beacon of Light, these support groups offer a lifeline to men in need, reminding them that there is always a way out of the darkness.

For further information on SPACE North East and how you can join their events, please visit https://spacenortheast.org/

SAFC Branch Liaison Council’s Matchday Mental Health Hub: #FansSupportingFans Initiative in association with Washington Mind

The Matchday Mental Health Hub was born out of a simple supporter led idea that grew into a lifeline for Sunderland AFC supporters, the #FansSupportingFans initiative.

Open every Saturday on home matchdays from 12:30pm to 2:30pm, visitors to the hub can grab a coffee, have a chat, or seek private one-on-one counselling in a comfortable setting.

With the support and help of Washington Mind and the Foundation of Light, the hub provides a safe, welcoming space for both home and away supporters to access mental health support, and it is staffed by trained counsellors alongside BLC volunteers.

With the #FansSupportingFans initiative, Sunderland AFC and the Branch Liaison Council continue to demonstrate that football is not just about the game—it’s about the fans and their well-being. Whether you need support or just a friendly conversation, the Matchday Mental Health Hub is there for you to visit at every home game in the Beacon of Light. As one BLC member puts it, “If we can save just one person, then everything we’ve done has been worthwhile.”

For further information on the Branch Liaison Council’s Mental Health Hub please visit Mental Health Hub – SAFC Branch Liaison Council (safcblc.com)

Supporting Mental Health

Sunderland AFC, the Foundation of Light and all the dedicated organisations and fan groups are fully committed to supporting mental health both on and off the pitch. Through these partnerships with organisations like R;pple, Impact North East, Game of II Halves, and SPACE North East, the club is helping fans access vital resources, reducing stigma, and creating a community that prioritises mental well-being. The dedicated matchday will be a powerful reminder that mental health is a team effort, and every Sunderland fan has a network ready and accessible to help them.