Football rivals team up for a campaign game changer
Sunderland AFC and Newcastle United are teaming up to back a drive to reduce suicides.
To mark World Suicide Prevention Day today, SAFC and its official charity, the FoundationofLight,arebacking a campaign for greater awareness and prevention.
Recent statistics show that one in five people have thought about suicide at some time in their life, with more than 6,000 people dying in the UK each year. About three-quartersofthosedeaths are amongst men and suicide is the leading cause of death in males aged 20-49.
Some of the highest rates are in the North of England, and Sunderland and South Tynesidehaveoneofthehighest rates across the region.
The Foundation is working with the North East and North Cumbria Suicide Prevention Network and Newcastle United Foundation to tackle the problem through the #BeAGameChanger campaignwhichactivelypromotes open conversations and gives footballfanstheconfidenceto talk about mental health with their mates.
The Black Cats will dedicateSaturday’sSkyBetLeague OnematchagainstAccrington Stanleytothecampaign,using the match day platform to encourage fans to check in with their friends and family and to have the confidence to ask if they are ok.
The team will wear branded#BeAGameChangerwarmup T-shirts and campaign messaging will be seen on
screensaroundtheStadiumof Light, including a new, poignantvideostarringSunderland AFC players Carl Winchester, LouiseGriffithsandCharlotte Potts.
Foundation staff will also beonhandtoprovidesupport and answer questions in the SAFC Fan Zone in the Beacon of Light from 12.30pm, alongside Sunderland Branch Liaison Council’s Match Day Mental Health Hub.
Sunderland AFC fan ConnorRenwick,whotookpartin a #BeAGameChanger workshop,
is encouraging colleagues, friends and family to open up about how they are feeling, "I learnt that the best thing to do is talk,” he said.
“It doesn't help anyone keepingthingsbottledup,and I was always told a problem shared is a problem halved.
" Also, if you speak aloud about how you feel to your friends, family, or a mental health professional, then you're on the right steps to getting yourself on the straight and narrow.” Foundation of Light Head
of Sport and Wellbeing, Liz Barton-Jones said, “There is a common misconception that talking to someone about suicide will give them the idea to try it. But the opposite is true; by asking someone directly about suicide, you give them chance to tell you how they feel and evidence shows askingsomeoneifthey'resuicidal canprotectthemandcansave a life.
“We believe every suicide is preventable if we work togethertoenabletimelyandevidence-based interventions.”.
Towatchthevideovisitthe Foundation of Light YouTube Channel – https://youtu.be/ hofnDN73nZ0
To register your business or grassroots football club to take part in a free mental health workshop contact beagamechanger@foundationoflight.co.uk
Andy’s Man Club sessions take place in the Beacon of Light on Monday evenings from 7pm. To find out more visit https://www.facebook. com/Andys-Man-Club-Sunderland-111127547097296