More Than a Game: SAFC Stars shine spotlight on mental health

Sunderland AFC stars Luke O'Nien and Dan Ballard swapped the training pitch for the Beacon of Light as they joined Foundation of Light's Game of II Halves participants and Together Against Suicide ambassadors for a special session highlighting the importance of mental health and talking openly.

Ahead of World Mental Health Day, the Black Cats duo visited the Beacon to see first-hand how football is bringing people together, breaking down barriers and helping to tackle the stigma surrounding mental health.

The visit, which was also filmed by BBC's Match of the Day, saw Luke and Dan get involved in a kickabout with participants before taking time to chat with members of the group and hear more about their experiences.

While football brought everyone together, the conversations off the pitch were just as important.

Game of II Halves uses the power of football to encourage open conversations around mental health, offering a welcoming, supportive environment where people can connect with others, share experiences and access support.

The programme has become an important part of Foundation of Light's wider mental health and wellbeing provision, demonstrating how something as simple as a game of football and a conversation can make a real difference.

The players also met representatives from Together Against Suicide, a growing network of more than 50 ambassadors helping to raise awareness, challenge stigma and encourage conversations around suicide prevention across workplaces and communities.

Together, the two initiatives share a simple but powerful message: nobody should feel they have to face difficult times alone.

For Luke and Dan, the visit was an opportunity to see the impact of the Foundation's work beyond the football pitch and the important role the Club can play in encouraging people to speak up and seek support.

The visit also provided an opportunity to shine a national spotlight on the work taking place in Sunderland, with BBC's Match of the Day capturing the session for a feature highlighting the role football can play in supporting mental health.

As World Mental Health Day approaches, Foundation of Light is encouraging everyone to check in with those around them, make time for a conversation and remember that asking for help is a sign of strength.

Because sometimes the most important part of football isn't the 90 minutes on the pitch. It's the conversations, friendships and connections it creates.

About Game of II Halves

Game of II Halves is part of Foundation of Light's mental health and wellbeing provision, using football and peer support to help people improve their wellbeing, build confidence and feel more connected.

Weekly drop-in sessions take place at the Beacon of Light every Monday, from 5pm to 7pm, providing a welcoming space for people to get involved, meet others and access support.

Find out more about Game of II Halves >

Together Against Suicide - supporting fans on matchdays

The Together Against Suicide initiative also extends beyond the Beacon of Light, with ambassadors providing a visible and approachable presence on Sunderland AFC matchdays.

Supporters attending games can speak to ambassadors, access information and find out where to turn for help, whether they are concerned about their own mental health or someone else's.

By bringing conversations about suicide prevention into the matchday environment, the initiative is helping to break down stigma and remind fans that support is available, both on and off the pitch.

Match of the Day this Sunday

The visit was also captured by BBC's Match of the Day, which will shine a national spotlight on the Foundation's mental health and wellbeing work.

The feature will air on BBC One on Sunday 11 October, highlighting how Game of II Halves and Together Against Suicide are using the power of football to bring people together, encourage conversations and make a difference in their communities.