SUNDERLAND have temporarily changed their iconic Black Cat badge outside the Stadium of Light for a poignant reason.
The popular crest, located on the side of Black Cat House next to the club ground, has been replaced with a ‘Black Dog’ for Mental Health Awareness Week.
The Black Cat crest outside the Stadium of Light has been temporarily changed Credit: PA
The badge has been changed to a Black Dog for Mental Health Awareness Week Credit: X/livescore
The ‘Black Dog’ is widely used as a metaphor for depression and emotional struggle.
It has replaced the usual crest to prompt curiosity and conversation among supporters and the local community.
Sunderland have partnered with LiveScore for the campaign this week.
Alongside the symbol next to the Stadium of Light, the sports media brand also hosted additional campaign matchday activities at the home game against on Saturday.
They included a series of fan engagement experiences outside the stadium and a front cover feature on the matchday programme.
LiveScore is encouraging fans to engage with the Foundation of Light’s mental health and suicide prevention programme, ‘Game of II Halves’.
The project aims to equip men with skills, confidence and knowledge to promote positive mental health messages.
Sunderland CRO Scott McCubbin said: “Sunderland AFC sits at the heart of its community, and we know how important it is to use our voice to support the people who support us.
Sunderland have partnered with LiveScore for Mental Health Awareness Week Credit: X formerly Twitter / @livescore How to get help
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net , 0800 585 858
- Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
- HUMEN www.wearehumen.org
- Mind, www.mind.org.uk , 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org , 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, www.samaritans.org , 116 123
“The Black Cat is a proud part of our identity, so temporarily replacing it with the ‘Black Dog’ is a powerful way to highlight an issue that affects so many.
“This campaign is about more than just a visual change – it’s about encouraging conversations, raising awareness, and reminding our fans that they are never alone.
“Working with LiveScore, we’ve created something that we hope will resonate deeply across our fanbase and beyond.
“Through initiatives like ‘Game of II Halves’ we remain committed to supporting mental health awareness and making a positive difference in our community.”
Club manager Regis Le Bris added: “We have these conversations as a group. If we can support the City and the community, it’s important.
“We have a voice and an opportunity to share ideas and set the tone, set the example. I think it’s a good example here.
“When we can support something which is really useful for the people, I think it’s important to do.”
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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