News

For the second year running the Ellen and Ian Graham Foundation have generously supported the Rangers Charity Foundation with a donation of over £18,000 towards our Trauma Counselling Service.

Introduced in 2022, the Foundation’s Trauma Counselling Service is accessible to participants in our wide range of community programmes and has provided a real lifeline to many people. This includes young people who might be struggling as well as adults, many of whom are seeking support for the first time and enjoy being able to come to Ibrox in a discreet setting for this (rather than a clinical setting).

The Foundation now supports a growing number of people affected by addiction, trauma, isolation, and mental health challenges. Our Recovery Drop-In Service, Veterans programmes, mental wellbeing initiatives and resilience-building programmes give people the strength and skills needed to move forward into employment, education or training. Or sometimes just the confidence to leave their house.

Our full time Trauma Counsellor Jane McLean also delivers tailored mental health and wellbeing training and support to Veterans who are adapting to civilian life via our Veterans At Ease programme.

Jane’s specialist support has been transformational for many individuals experiencing trauma, particularly those who face barriers accessing traditional mental health services due to poverty, stigma, or lengthy waiting times.

Connal Cochrane, Chief Executive of the Rangers Charity Foundation commented:

“We are incredibly grateful to Ellen, Alexis, Shanna and the Graham family, through their Foundation for this generous donation which enables us to support so many people. Previously this service was only part funded, and with this additional donation our valuable service will be fully funded for the season.

This wonderful contribution is making a tangible difference to people experiencing significant challenges—providing them with access to compassionate, trauma-informed care at a time when they need it most.  On behalf of everyone at the Foundation, and those supported by our Trauma Counselling Service – thank you.”

Ian Tracy from the Ellen and Ian Graham Foundation and trustee of the Ellen and Ian Graham SCIO said:

“We don’t believe in football politics. We back and believe in the third sector specialist workers, like Jane, in Scotland. They are unsung heroes to us. The Rangers Charity Foundation, through Connal, Linda, Jordan, Jane, Jennifer and others have provided a conduit of support that, in our opinion, is akin to life support, certainly social and psychological life support for those in the west of Scotland who have experienced many harrowing life experiences, particularly women.

Ellen, Alexis and Shanna (and Ian Graham right up to the day of his passing) have been trying to lift the spirits of many through their philanthropy over the years and we have been happy to partner with the Rangers Charity Foundation here. What they are doing with their trauma counselling and care service, for all people, is exceptional and has a lot of positive potential for Scotland.”

WATCH THIS VIDEO for more about the impact of this service