Newcastle United Foundation’s mental health awareness initiative, #BeAGameChanger, has now reached 1.8 million people online, the charity’s 2018/19 Annual Review has revealed.
The powerful campaign encourages football supporters to talk more openly about their mental health, with NHS data suggesting one in four adults and one in ten children experiences mental illness.
Jonjo Shelvey wears a #BeAGameChanger T-shirt
The initiative has also received the backing of the Magpies’ first team players, who wore special ‘Be A Game Changer’ warm-up T-shirts before the 1-0 victory over Manchester United at St. James’ Park in October.
#BeAGameChanger is just one of several programmes operated by Newcastle United Foundation, which uses the power of football to connect, engage and inspire people.
The Annual Review has also revealed that the Foundation generated a hugely-impressive £22.5m in social impact over the 2018/19 period, with 66,079 people attending its programmes.
Ongoing community projects include sport, health and wellbeing and learning and skills, helping to empower individuals and bring the community together.
The Foundation continues to work across 238 schools, with 53,086 pupils engaged in its activities.