A North East based professional football club has donated shirt sponsorship to a charity in County Durham.
Durham Women FC’s Barclays WSL Academy squad have said they are “proudly supporting” the Durham County charity ‘If U Care Share’ this season – with their logos now gracing the front of their match shirts.
With roots in nearby Chester-le-Street, If U Care Share’s mission is to save lives, support communities and prevent suicide.
They provide a range of services fundamental to their three main goals of suicide prevention, intervention and survivor support.
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The If U Care Share team reaches out to some of the most vulnerable people in society to support them in times of need and also provides training and workshops on mental health and suicide prevention.
DWFC and If U Care Share have worked together in the past; Both the first team and academy squads have benefited from workshops run by the charity this season – as have a host of other clubs at both men’s and women’s levels.
A club spokesman said: “To support the fantastic work of If U Care Share, we are delighted to confirm that their logo will be featured on our Academy team’s jerseys for the remainder of the 2022/23 season. “
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Durham Women FC’s Dawn Hepple said: “We are delighted to be working with If U Care Share – a local charity for us but with a nationwide reach.
“It’s a privilege to be able to help them in any way we can by spreading the word and we jumped at the chance to have their logo on our Academy team jersey.
“Please take a look at their website as they offer a range of services to help them achieve their very clear goals of prevention, intervention and support for the suicide survivor.
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“In particular, her work with sports clubs highlights vitally important mental health issues, and her workshops are invaluable for everyone involved, from the grassroots to the professional level.
Matthew Smith, Founder of If U Care Share added: “We are delighted to have this support from Durham Women. As an organization based in County Durham supporting people across the region, it is fantastic to have support from our local women’s club.
“As a charity we know the power of football and the support it can provide to communities and we are immensely grateful to the club for our new partnership and the opportunity to reach more people in the area.”