Round-Up: SAFC and Foundation unite for Mental Health Awareness

Foundation of Light united with Sunderland AFC to promote Mental Health Awareness during Tuesday night’s match against Derby County.

1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health issue each year; that's around 7,500 in a full capacity Stadium of Light!

Ahead of World Mental Health Day on 10^th October, Sunderland AFC’s encounter with Derby County was designated as a dedicated matchday with the help of the Premier League Fans Fund.

The Fans Fund supports football clubs at all levels to strengthen connections between them, their fans, and local communities, including initiatives to develop inclusivity for under-represented groups.

Here’s how Sunderland AFC and its official charity raised awareness during the dedicated matchday:

Beacon of Light Fan Zone

Tuesday evening’s Beacon of Light Fan Zone was dedicated to Mental Health Awareness. Several organisations making a difference throughout the community held stalls to engage with Sunderland AFC supporters, including the Foundation’s Game of II Halves initiative, Impact North East, the SAFC Branch Liaison Council’s Matchday Mental Health Hub, and Sunderland City Council.

Players represent Game of II Halves

Ahead of kick-off, the Black Cats turned out in Game of II Halves shirts during the warm-up, showing their support to the mental health and suicide prevention project.

Game of II Halves works with men aged 16+ to equip them with skills, confidence, and knowledge to become ambassadors promoting positive mental health and reducing stigma associated with self-harm and suicide.

Half-Time Activity

Representatives from organisations, including Game of II Halves and Sunderland Samaritans, appeared on the Stadium of Light pitch at half time.

Alice Hendy MBE from R;pple Suicide Prevention, an innovative browser tool which intervenes in harmful online searches relating to suicide, took part in a pitchside interview at half-time to share more about the service.

Matchday Programme

Tuesday evening’s matchday programme also featured profiles of the organisations involved, including R;pple, Space North East, and Game of II Halves.

As Tuesday was also International Day of Older Persons, Foundation of Light highlighted some of our offering for Over 55s, aimed at keeping people healthy and socially active, including Wear Together and our Strength and Balance sessions.