Sunderland AFC is proud to support World Mental Health Day by helping showcase Foundation of Light's innovative range of mental health programmes.
Set up by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992, the event takes place every year on 10th October and aims to educate and raise awareness of mental health issues.
From helping families increase their knowledge to supporting armed forces veterans overcome severe anxiety disorders and reintegrate back into civilian life, Foundation of Light's programmes help hundreds of children and adults from across the North East improve their mental health and educate them around its specific signs and symptoms.
The Exercise Therapy Service, run by Sunderland and South Tyneside NHS, provides therapeutic exercise to improve mental illness and prevent/treat some of the physical side effects associated with medication through community groups across Tyne and Wear.
One such programme is Foundation of Light's Exercise Therapy group, which harnesses the power of football to engage those with poor mental health within a team environment, working together to promote positive health and lifestyle changes.
Participants take part in weekly football sessions, as well as travelling across the country to compete in Social Inclusion Tournaments and friendlies against other football foundations.
Through the charity's Back in the Game Veterans' Employability course, Foundation of Light and Forward Assist provide opportunities to those leaving the armed forces through activities that improve their physical wellbeing and mental health and reduce social isolation.
This year, the programme has supported 21 veterans through sports and training opportunities, such as Foundation of Light Top Scorer winner Steve who was medically discharged from the Armed Forces with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
"My diet and broader health suffered and I had trouble adjusting to life outside of the Army after I was discharged three years ago," says Steve.
"During my time with Foundation of Light I did a lot of activities, gaining coaching qualifications in football and boxing. I became active again and felt well enough to stop taking my medication.Staff also arranged an interview for me and I am now in employment.
"I'm in a very different place to where I was a year ago, a much more positive place and I'm now looking at a much brighter future.
"That's thanks to the Foundation's Forward Assist course."
Spotting mental health issues within the family is also vitally important, and Foundation of Light's Family Learning Healthy Minds brings families together, gain awareness of mental health and help improve both adults and children’s mental health.
The course helps family members to increase their knowledge: what it is; signs and symptoms; types of mental health problems; and provides mindsets and strategies to cope with mental health problems.
Learners gain an increased awareness of mental health, understanding the impact their mindset will have on their children while being driven to develop a more positive outlook, believing they can achieve goals, have aspirations and be positive role models to their children.
Upon completion of the course, Family Learner Sarah, said: “Learning about the importance of a child’s mental health through the Foundation's Health Minds has really benefited me and my family.
"I am confident to check for signs and symptoms and know what support is available."
Mother of two, Carolyn, adds: "I understand how the demands of everyday life can affect my family. Recognising how to deal with these difficulties has brought us closer together."
For more information on Foundation of Light's range of programmes which can help identify and improve mental health issues, visit www.foundationoflight.co.uk, call 0191 551 5191 or email info@foundationoflight.co.uk.
