Colin Jackson CBE, Cyriel Dessers and Jane Ross helped to announce SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) as the Foundation’s National Charity Partner for season 2024/25, with the Foundation pledging to raise £20,000 for SAMH and promote important messages about mental health.

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.

Colin Jackson commented: “As a former professional athlete, I know the impact physical activity can have on mental health. It can give us something else to focus on and it gets us outside, which is so important for our wellbeing.

“I also know what it means to be in a difficult place, and the importance of speaking out and reaching out for help. That’s why I’m so pleased to be able to help support the launch of this important partnership.”

Cyriel Dessers added: “I think it’s great that the Rangers Charity Foundation has decided to work with SAMH this season and get important messages out there about mental health, and where to go to seek help when there is an issue.

“Mental health effects everyone, and it is crucial that we all look after our mental wellbeing and support our family, friends and colleagues when we can.”

“It can be difficult to open up to others sometimes, but if you are struggling, it can make all the difference.

“This new partnership has the ability to help so many people in Scotland, and I am delighted to help launch it today at Ibrox.”

The announcement follows on from the Foundation and SAMH’s previous work together through The Changing Room project, which is designed to promote men’s mental health and wellbeing through the power of football.

SAMH, Scotland’s national mental health charity, offers a range of mental health services and support across Glasgow. Almost 90,000 Glaswegians say they have a mental health condition, so SAMH’s services are now more important than ever. Funds raised through the partnership will go towards the charity’s plans for enhanced community work in the  Glasgow area.

Connal Cochrane, Chief Executive of the Rangers Charity Foundation, said: “Health and wellbeing is one of the Foundation’s key pillars, and mental health is a huge part of this.

“We already have several programmes that address mental health, including The Changing Room, Team Talk and Veterans at Ease, and looking after mental wellbeing is embedded in many of our other community programmes, with our Trauma Counsellor helping participants from a range of projects to move forward in a positive direction with their lives.

“This new partnership with SAMH will take this work to a new level, and we look forward to some exciting announcements going forward about the partnership.

“We will of course be communicating with our supporters, spreading important messages about looking after mental wellbeing, opening up and where to go for help when its needed.”

Hazel McIlwraith, Director of Fundraising and Major Appeal at SAMH, said: “We know how committed the Foundation is to improving mental health across the Rangers family, and Glasgow more broadly.

“This is a brilliant opportunity to build on the work we already do together and reach more people, whether football fans or not, across the city.”

“We’re grateful to the Foundation for their support and excited for the year ahead.”