News

Former Rangers FC Player, Marvin Andrews, recently visited the Rangers Charity Foundation’s ‘The Changing Room’ programme.

The ex-Gers defender spoke to participants about his own methods of keeping a positive mindset as well as joining in on group discussion. He also took time to give participants words of support and some of his mental wellbeing tips.

The Changing Room is a Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) project, and it has one goal – to promote men’s mental health and wellbeing through the power of football.

We were delighted to bring The Changing Room to Ibrox in 2022 for the first time; inviting men to step down from the stands, into the heart of their club, and take action for their mental health.

Speaking after the session Marvin said:

“I think it’s important that the Foundation helps people that are maybe struggling with their mental health because sometimes all they need is some words of encouragement and maybe a wee nudge. I think this is where the Foundation has an important part to play.”

“One of the great things about the Changing Room is that it encourages people to come out of isolation and talk about things with others who may be feeling the same as them.”

“There are a lot of people out there who may not be speaking up and sometimes having a link to Rangers can be that little bit of motivation for someone to have the courage to seek help and talk about their mental health.”

The project targets men in their middle years and works to help them better self-manage their mental health while also supporting one another, as part of a team. The sessions are a chance to get away from everyday stresses and chat about football and mental health at the home of Rangers Football Club and it is completely free for participants.

This season, the Foundation has partnered up with SAMH and are pledging to raise £20,000 for the mental health charity while continuing to promote important messages about mental wellbeing.

Activities during the partnership will include a SAMH matchday takeover in May 2025 as well as community events, signposting to services and tips on how everyone can look after their own mental health.

The announcement follows on from the Foundation and SAMH’s previous work together through The Changing Room project.

SAMH, Scotland’s national mental health charity, offers a range of mental health services and support across Glasgow. Funds raised through the partnership will go towards the charity’s new initiative, The Nook.

The Nook will provide barrier-free access to mental health support. There will be no need to book an appointment, no need for NHS referrals, and no waiting lists. Anyone looking for help can walk through the door whenever they need to.

For more information next block on The Changing Room please contact the Foundation on: rangerscharity@rangers.co.uk