Volunteers at Dunfermline Samaritans marked a five-year association with Dunfermline Athletic FC with an awareness day.
The Dunfermline branch has been the club’s charity partner for five years, with a range of collaborative work taking place such social media and advertising campaigns, open days and other local events.
The awareness day was held at East End Park as Dunfermline Athletic FC took on Fife team Kelty Hearts FC on Saturday (October 29), with players from both sides wearing Samaritans T-shirts during the warm-up.
A bucket collection outside the stadium also raised over £430 for Dunfermline Samaritans.
Ged Lafferty, press and publicity officer for the branch, said: “'We know many people struggle with their mental health and may even feel suicidal. Football teams can send a message to their fans that they're not alone, talking helps, and reaching out to loved ones could help save a life.
“Dunfermline Athletic were eager to partner with us, understanding the need and importance for more awareness around mental health in the area.
“We were delighted with their approach, especially when they appointed a Mental Health Ambassador – the first SPFL club to do so.”
He added: “Saturday’s match was of particular significance as it was the first time the teams had played each other at East End Park in a senior league match.
“It was great to see players on both sides wear Samaritans T-shirts and to have branded advertising pitch-side as well as in the matchday programme.
“It was also fantastic to raise some much-needed funds for the branch.
“Thank you to Dunfermline Athletic and their fans for their continuing support – it is very much appreciated.”
Eddie Martin, Mental Health Ambassador at Dunfermline Athletic, said: “Once again it was a pleasure to welcome Dunfermline Samaritans to East End Park to celebrate the fifth anniversary of our working partnership. We fully understand the importance that this partnership has to our fan base and the local community.
“It was great to see supporters engaging and interacting with the Samaritans volunteers who were present. The values of Samaritans of Dunfermline are the same values held at Dunfermline Athletic and we look forward to working in a collaborative partnership for many more years to come.”