Ex-Newcastle United stars back lockdown mental health campaign

South Shields-born prominent Newcastle United fan Steve Wraith has today launched the campaign called ‘Phone A Friend’ via his NUFC Matters YouTube channel – with video messages backing the movement coming from Micky Quinn, Rob Lee, Lee Clark, Warren Barton and Liam O’Brien.

Former players Keith Gillespie, Steve Caldwell, Stephen Glass and Matty Pattison have also publicly backed the campaign as well as North East boxing legend Glenn McCrory.

On the launch, which is urging people to reach out to family and friends at this difficult time, Wraith said: “We set up NUFC Matters on Instagram in March at the start of the pandemic and it proved to be very popular with Newcastle fans so we moved to YouTube and now do seven shows a week. Through the channel we raise awareness for mental health issues and have used the platform to raise valuable funds for the Newcastle West End Foodbank.

"But with a new lockdown announced we want to encourage people to phone a friend to let them know they are not alone.

"We will all feel down at some point, that’s just life. But when you do feel that way, pick up the phone and get in touch with a friend or family member.

"We asked for the backing of Newcastle United stars of old for this – and they haven’t let us down.”