Fans rivalries aside on World Mental Health Day
The intense rivalry between Newcastle and Sunderland is being put aside by diehard supporters who have an important message on World Mental Health Day.
Brought together by Newc a s tl e Un i te d Fou n d at io n and Sunderland AFC’s Foundation of Light, Geordies and Mackems are being encouraged to start potentially lifesaving conversations with family and friends or to take their own steps to sharing their mental wellbeing with others.
The official charities of both clubs made a commitment in January to promote positive mental health to supporters visiting St James’ Park and the Stadium of Light through the Be A Game Changer campaign, before the COVID-19 crisis had an impact on fans.
This year’ s theme for World Mental Health Day – today – is “mental health for all”.
To mark the date, Newcastle United Foundation and Foundation of Light have released a video featuring participants who have received support through Be A Game Changer. Andrew Hird, a lifelong Sunderland fan, said his mental health suffered when his grandfather was rushed to A&E and told he might want to say his goodbyes just as his wife went into labour.
The life-changing support he needed came when he visited the Match Day Mental Health Hub at the Beacon of Light – a free service created by supporter group, Branch Liaison Council, supported by the Foundation of Light – which provides fans access to trained counsellors from Washington Mind.
Andrew said: “IIt got to the stage where I needed to get some help. I needed to speak to someone.”
For more visit nufoundation.org.uk/beagamechanger