Walk-in matchday mental health support for Cats fans set to return
After 18 months away, the Matchday Mental Health Hub for Sunderland supporters is set to re-open this coming Saturday.
Opened in 2019 by legends Kieron Brady, Kevin Ball and Gary Bennett, the Hub is the first of its kind in the country and offers anyone who is experiencing difficult times a place to go for support and advice.
However, volunteers have been unable to meet supporters face to face owing to the Coronavirus pandemic and subsequent lockdowns.
But with fans set to return to the Stadium of Light this Saturday against Wigan Athletic with no capacity restrictions, the decision has been made to re-open to the public.
The Hub will be open to Sunderland fans every Saturday matchday between 12:30pm and 2:30pm at the Foundation of Light, which is located just next to the Stadium of Light and the Aquatic Centre.
The Branch Liaison Council continued to work with Washington Mind to provide specialised support to supporters during the pandemic and provided telephone support to fans with a trained counsellor.
Cath Reid, from the Matchday Mental Health Hub, said: “We also reached out to supporters on social media who identified they were going through a tough time, they have been quite surprised that we have reached out to check in on them, some we still speak to now several months later.
"Social media has been absolutely marvellous allowing us an opportunity to promote mental health, raise awareness and provide support, not just our own Washington Mind but also promoting Man Health etc, although predominantly we work in the Wearside/ Tyneside and Durham area, we have supported our travelling fans by researching help and support available in their area and again promoting help available via social media.
“We're in the Foundation of Light every Saturday match day between 12:30 pm and 2:30 pm.
“Pop in, say hello and find out more about the matchday mental health hub. It's a very relaxed area where you can sit and join us in a coffee.
“If you need to speak to a counsellor don't worry, the counsellors are very friendly and approachable, one to one counselling is held in a separate room away from everyone and all conversations are in total confidence.
"The only information we ask for is the first part of your postcode.”
*Former Sunderland wing er Jordan Jones could line up against the Black Cats this weekend after signing a threeyear deal at Wigan Athletic.
The 26-year-old made 21 appearances for Sunderland during a loan spell in the second half of last season before returning to parent club Rangers.
Jones, a Northern Ireland international, had two years left on his contract at Ibr ox but had fallen down the pecking order with the Scottish champions. Jones said a conversation with La ti cs boss Le am Richardson persuaded him to move to the DW Stadium.
“I’m over the moon,” said Jones. “The move has been in the pipeline for a few weeks so I’ m just thankful to be here and I cannot wait to get started and kick on. I spoke to the manager and a few of the players, and it seems there is such a positive vibe around the place at the minute - it’s something that I want to be a part of.”