Archive for category: News

Sunderland AFC and its official charity, Foundation of Light, are backing a campaign for greater awareness and prevention of death by suicide.

Recent statistics show that one in five people have thought about suicide at some time in their life, with over 6,000 people dying by suicide in the UK each year. Sadly, approximately three- quarters of those deaths are amongst men and suicide is the leading cause of death in males aged 20-49 years. Whilst national rates remain high, some of the highest are in the North of England, with Sunderland and South Tyneside in particular having one of the highest rates across the North East region.

Putting footballing rivalries aside, the Foundation of Light is working with the North East and North Cumbria Suicide Prevention Network and Newcastle United Foundation to tackle the problem through the #BeAGameChanger campaign which actively promotes open conversations and gives football fans the confidence to talk about mental health with their mates.

To show their support, Sunderland AFC will dedicate Saturday’s Sky Bet League One match against Accrington Stanley to the campaign, 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 Black Cats will wear branded #BeAGameChanger warm-up t-shirts and campaign messaging will be seen on screens around the Stadium of Light, including a  new poignant video  starring  Sunderland  AFC  players  Carl Winchester,  Louise Griffiths  and Charlotte Potts.

Foundation staff will also be on hand to provide support 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.

Over the last year, the Foundation has supported hundreds of people through free, bespoke mental health training for businesses and grassroots football clubs across Sunderland and South Tyneside.

Sunderland AFC fan Connor Renwick, who took part in 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. The more we talk about mental awareness the less stigma there will be for people to come forward and get the help they need when they need it. It doesn’t help anyone keeping things bottled up, 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 to a mental health professional, then you’re on the right steps to getting yourself on the straight and narrow. And if someone you care about opens up to you about how they’re feeling mentally, don’t worry about saying the wrong thing, just listen to what they have to say and let them know you’re there from them.”

Foundation of Light Head of Sport and Wellbeing, Liz Barton-Jones said, “The devastating impact of suicide to the individual, their family and friends, colleagues and wider community is immeasurable and sadly something which has been felt across the Sunderland AFC supporters’ family in recent times.

“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 asking someone if they’re suicidal can protect them and can save a life. We believe that every suicide is preventable if we work together to enable timely and evidence-based interventions. Be a Game Changer is a campaign designed to support those who need it most but to also give football fans from across the region the confidence to ask “are you ok?”.

“We are really looking forward to the dedicated match day tomorrow to help spread the message that it’s good to talk and to help more people live happier and healthier lives.”

To find out more about the #BeAGameChanger campaign visit https://www.foundationoflight.co.uk/beagamechanger/

For Barry Worthington, signing up to Wigan Athletic Community Trust’s FIT LATICS programme in May has made a real difference to his health.

The initiative, which is backed by the EFL Trust and Sport England, aims to help men and women aged 35-65 enjoy an active lifestyle through exercise and nutrition sessions.

The lifelong Wigan Athletic supporter joined the 12-week programme with the aim of losing weight he put on after contracting COVID-19 last autumn. He said:

“Prior to contracting COVID-19 back in October, I was quite fit and was absolutely flying. I was cycling, running, and feeling really good. But after having long COVID, I felt really lethargic and I gained 11kg in that time. I came out in the spring, stood on the scales, and I wasn’t happy with myself, what I was seeing or how I was feeling. But at the same time I noticed the Community Trust were advertising their FIT LATICS programme, and that was the motivation I needed to do something about it.”

After losing 8% of his bodyweight, Barry, 62, says the programme has had a real positive affect on his health and his heart. Barry adds,

“I can’t speak highly enough about the course. It’s so well structured and we receive information on nutrition, alcohol limits and its great being in a group where everyone has the same aim to lose weight and enjoy themselves, it’s been fantastic. It’s been a real push and I’ve been really successful with the weight that I’ve lost. I was 114.7kg when I started, and now I am 106.4kg so I’ve lost eight kilograms. I was aiming to lose about five-and-a-half so I’ve passed that and I’m really pleased with it. I also have a fitness watch and I like looking at my heart rate. My resting heart rate was 45 beats per minute, so I thought it seemed a bit low, and I checked online and spoke to my GP about it who advised me to come in for an ECG. They did a proper examination and the ECG was spot-on. The doctor said that although its lower, the condition of the heart and how well it is working was excellent and said I was super fit!”

With sessions running weekly at the DW Stadium, Barry adds that taking part in the programme at the home of his club provided him with a much needed boost.

He said:

“It adds everything. Having not been able to come to games for 18 months, the first thing we did was run to the top of the steps to look at the pitch, which brought a tear to the eye. I can see where I sit in the East Stand which is fantastic and it gives you that extra buzz. It’s a big draw and most if not all the guys here are Latics fans and season ticket holders which speaks volumes of the people that have been coming.”

Starting on the back of the success of Fit Latics, the Community Trust are running a new men’s maintenance programme next month with sessions providing participants with physical activities, circuit training and nutritional advice.

For further information on our FIT FANS programme click here 

The EFL is delighted to announce that Carol Shanahan OBE – Chair of Port Vale and Trustee of the Port Vale Foundation – has been named as a member on the EFL Trust Board.

Carol will join the EFL Trust Board, the charitable arm of the EFL, as an EFL nominated representative and will also chair the Advisory Group.

Following her appointment, Carol will join Lincoln City’s Liam Scully, who was recently announced as EFL Trust Chair to succeed John Nixon, alongside Debbie Jevans CBE and Andy Williamson OBE as EFL nominated Trustees.

Carol is the Founder and Trustee of the Hubb Foundation – a charity based in the Potteries, which operates from schools and community centres, supporting children and their families with food and activities during school holidays. In October 2020, she was awarded an OBE for services to the community in Stoke-on-Trent. Carol said:

“I am honoured and delighted to be appointed to the EFL Trust Board and look forward to working with the committee. We have seen at Port Vale during the pandemic and lockdowns how the club can become a genuine community hub – a beacon of light during difficult times. I passionately believe in the power of football and football clubs to make a difference in their communities by harnessing their networks and using sport to affect positive change for all.”

EFL Trust Chair, John Nixon said:

“The impact that Carol has had both on the Football Club and the Foundation has been nothing short of magnificent and we’re delighted to be able to welcome her onto the EFL Trust Board. Her work at Port Vale has brought the supporters closer to their Club, and we have no doubt that Carol will add significant know-how as part of her new role on behalf of the EFL.”

EFL Chair, Ricky Parry said:

“It is hugely important that we have direct links to Clubs and CCO’s on the Board of Trustees and there is no better way than through a Club owner. Since taking the reins at Vale Park, she has helped bring both Club and CCO closer together during a particularly challenging period, both on and off the pitch, and that commitment gained deserved recognition as Port Vale were named the Your Move Community Club of the Year at the 2021 EFL Awards. Carol’s knowledge, understanding and vast experience from the charitable work undertaken within her community will be hugely beneficial for the EFL Trust moving forwards.”

Young people on Shrewsbury Town in the Community’s (STiTC) NCS programme  have received huge praise following their STFC-themed renovation of a once daunting underpass en-route to New Meadow. Read more

As a result of the global pandemic, difficult circumstances surrounding employment and the workplace led to people exploring job options outside of their comfort zone or usual field. Read more