Historic Derby saw North East unite for purpose beyond football
While the Black Cats faced the Magpies for the first time in eight years in league competition, the official charities of the North East rivals united behind a greater cause.
Following the recent statement from Northumbria Police about Operation Tide, Foundation of Light issues the following statement:
"We are currently helping Northumbria Police with their enquiries about a case of non-recent sexual abuse relating to a former employee.
"Foundation of Light is an organisation that is dedicated to improving people's lives and over the years we have supported many who have suffered abuse, as well as forging positive working relationships with Northumbria Police.
"We are extremely saddened to hear of the allegations and will do everything in our power to support this investigation.
"Our concern is primarily with those who have suffered abuse and we would encourage any others who have suffered abuse in the past to contact the NSPCC on 0800 023 2642.
"To prevent abuse all Foundation of Light staff undergo rigorous safeguarding training; Foundation of Light employs a safeguarding officer as is suitable for an organisation of its size and type and DBS checks are undertaken on all appropriate staff.
"We also adhere to strict safeguarding procedures to protect the thousands we work with every day and take allegations of abuse very seriously.
"As this is an ongoing police investigation it would not be appropriate for us to comment in more detail at this stage."
While the Black Cats faced the Magpies for the first time in eight years in league competition, the official charities of the North East rivals united behind a greater cause.
Rees Greenwood sat down with Foundation of Light scholars as the former Sunderland AFC man took part in the second instalment of the ‘Changing Room Chat’ series.
Nine-year-old Sunderland super fan Sonny Nunn received a big surprise during a school assembly this week, and it’s one he’s still struggling to believe.