Sunderland and Newcastle United fans put rivalries aside to promote World Mental Health Day

Brought together by Newcastle United Foundation and Sunderland AFC’s Foundation of Light, Geordies and Mackems are being encouraged to start potentially life-saving 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 – on October 10 – 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 life-long 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: “I was just drowning in thoughts; my brain was in overdrive at times. I started getting really disconnected with things.

“It got to the stage where I needed to get some help. I needed to speak to someone.”

Liz Barton-Jones, Foundation of Light’s Head of Health and Wellbeing, said: “We know that there are so many people out there struggling in silence, particularly men who are often led to believe sharing their feelings is ‘not what men do’.

“Our Be A Game Changer campaign and our powerful video being shared on World Mental Health Day is there to let people know they will be listened to and it’s okay to not be okay.”

Funded by the North East and North Cumbria Suicide Prevention Network, the Be A Game Changer mental health awareness campaign aims to reduce the region’s suicide rates among men aged 20 to 49.

For more visit nufoundation.org.uk/beagamechanger