SAFC branches support mental health campaign

Sunderland AFC supporters’ branches have made a substantial donation to Foundation of Light’s Give a Quid campaign which hopes to tackle Mental Health in the North East. The Branch Liaison Committee, which consists of representatives from different supporters’ branches, presented the Foundation with a cheque for £2,682 at their recent meeting at the Stadium of Light. The Give A Quid campaign hopes to help Foundation of Light tackle mental health, raising £30,000 to support their life-changing community programmes. The Branch Liaison Committee are also extending their support of mental health, offering a workshop run in conjunction with Washingston Mind to help Branches support members who may be suffering with poor mental health. Speaking about the donation, Branch Liaison Committee Secretary Cath Reid said: “The Give A Quid campaign is fantastic because it addresses a very real issue that can affect us all.

As a committee we’ve already started to raise the issue of mental health within the branches and how to support our members but outside of this we think it’s a vitally important topic for everyone in the region.

“When we first learned that this was the focus of the Foundation’s campaign we knew that we wanted to get behind it both through helping spread the word throughout our branches but also practically with this donation.” Phil King, Foundation of Light Commercial Director added: “We’re incredibly grateful for the Supporters’ Branches donation and support with the Give A Quid campaign and are delighted to have them on board with our agenda to improve mental health across the region.” The Give a Quid campaign culminates in a day of special family fun at the Sunderland AFC vs Doncaster Rovers match on Good Friday. The day will include a full programme of free, family-friendly activity starting at the Beacon of Light at 1pm before the match kicks off at 5.15pm. Fundraising activity at the match for the campaign will include bucket collections, envelop draws in hospitality areas and the Grand in Your Hand matchday lottery. HOW TO GET INVOLVED: There’s lots of ways to get involved in the Give a Quid campaign. A downloadable fundraising pack is available on the Foundation of Light website for businesses or supporters’ groups who would like to get involved in the days leading up to the game. Businesses who support the campaign can also receive visits from Sunderland AFC mascots Samson and Delilah, and Foundation of Light social media team. Stuck for ideas? Why not organise a red and white day at work? Or get out of the office at lunch time and enjoy a “wellbeing walk”? Or maybe get together to chat over lunch with friends and colleagues? Donations can be made in person at the Beacon of Light, text FOLQUID to 70085 or donate online via justgiving.com. If you are a business and would like to get involved, contact clare.wilson@foundationoflight.co.uk or call Clare on 0191 563 4777 to find out more. Join the conversation on social media using #FoLGiveaQuid.