Sunderland AFC stars took part in a Jenga challenge to spread the message of the importance of opening up with others on Mental Health Awareness Week.
In life, it’s easy to let the little things build up, and that mounting pressure can make you feel that things will come crashing down.
But when you share your struggles with others, things can become easier.
In England, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year.
Foundation of Light supports those within our region through the Game of II Halves programme, targeted at men aged 25-69 and women aged 41-50, the groups with the highest suicide rate in the North East.
The aim is to recruit ambassadors to share messages throughout workplaces and local organisations across the region to promote good mental health and suicide prevention messages.
The Foundation also recently launched Believe, a first of its kind women’s mental health support group, providing a safe and supportive space for women to openly discuss their experiences, challenges, and triumphs.
The free to attend drop-in group is open to all females aged 18+ and takes place at the Beacon of Light every Tuesday from 6:30pm to 7:30pm.
Black Cats stars got stuck into the challenge, providing visibility for the Foundation of Light and its programmes supporting people in Sunderland, South Tyneside, and County Durham.
Watch the lads take on the challenge:
Aji Alese, Dennis Cirkin, and Luke O'Nien go Head to Head:
The ’We Are Role Models’ campaign shines a light on the Foundation’s ongoing work across Sunderland, South Tyneside and County Durham, supporting boys and young men through sport, education and mentoring.
In our latest piece we catch up with Claire Bovill and Julie McCann about their volunteering experiences.
Azeem Iftikah came to the Foundation of Light to help settle in the UK after arriving as a refugee, but he is now an integral part of the Wear Together sessions at The Venue in Stanley.