DFCSG and DFC are both delighted to support the Headlight Project's 'Turn Monday Bright' campaign today (Monday 19th January 2026) to help raise more awareness around suicide in the Darlington and wider Tees Valley area.

In doing so, we asked our fans to share pictures of themselves online across X/Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn wearing something bright - ideally orange! 🧡

'Turn Monday Bright' is a campaign to raise awareness and spread a little happiness on a dark day in January, typically branded as "the most depressing day of the year" due to where it sits in the calendar.

Unfortunately, recent ONS figures for 2024 show suicide figures are still worryingly high:

- Suicide is the biggest killer of under 35s...

- For men, the numbers are particularly stark where three in every four deaths were male, with the highest rates among those aged 50 to 54...

- For women, the highest rate was among those aged 45 to 49...

And of course, we know that behind every one of these numbers is a person who was loved, and a family or friendship circle that’s been torn apart.

David Steel, DFCSG's Vice Chair, commented: "DFCSG is honoured to be supporting this campaign by The Headlight Project. The North East has the highest regional suicide rate in England, so it is vital that everyone does their bit to raise awareness, let those out there who are struggling know that it's "okay not to be okay" and that there are always people out there who will listen, support and help those who aren't in a good place".

David added: "Even if today's 'Turn Monday Bright' campaign prevents just one person from taking their own life and seeking some help instead, then it will have been a huge success".

As part of it's ongoing work in the local community and with the club's fanbase, DFCSG shares resources from a range of organisations that can help those who are struggling with their mental health via the "It's Okay Not Be Okay" section of Fan Services on YOURCLUB.

Thank you to everyone from within DFCSG and DFC who helped raise awareness and donated to the Headlight Project as part of this support campaign.