News

Former Rangers FC midfielder and Rangers Charity Foundation Trustee, Alex Rae, paid a recent visit to the Foundation’s The Changing Room programme, spending time with participants and sharing his own experiences of looking after mental wellbeing.

During the session, Alex joined group discussions, spoke openly about the importance of maintaining a positive mindset and offered encouragement to those taking part. Participants also had the opportunity to hear some of the personal strategies he has used throughout his career and beyond to support his own mental health.

Delivered in partnership with Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH), The Changing Room uses the shared passion of football to encourage men to talk more openly about their mental health in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Since launching at Ibrox in 2022, the programme has provided men with the opportunity to come together at the home of Rangers Football Club, build meaningful connections and develop practical tools to help improve their wellbeing.

Speaking after the session, Alex said:

“It was good to be able to drop into the programme and have some conversation with the participants. It was great to listen to them and to find out about the impact the programme has had on them.”

“Football can be a powerful tool for improving health and wellbeing and having The Changing Room here and delivering it in partnership SAMH can really benefit supporters that are seeking help.”

“As a Trustee, I see first hand the work that the Foundation do and mental wellbeing is just one arm of the work that they do but having The Changing Room in place at Ibrox can really encourage people to seek the support that they feel they need in a comfortable and welcoming environment.”

Designed for men in their middle years, The Changing Room helps participants better understand and manage their mental health while benefiting from the support of others with shared experiences. The free programme offers a relaxed space where conversations around football naturally lead to discussions about wellbeing, helping to reduce isolation and encourage lasting peer support.

SAMH, Scotland’s national mental health charity, offers a range of mental health services and support across Glasgow. In season 2024/25, SAMH were selected to be the Foundation’s National Charity Partner. Through this partnership, the Foundation committed to donate £20,000 with the funds going towards SAMH’s The Nook initiative.

The Nook – situated in the heart of Glasgow’s Merchant City – provides barrier-free access to mental health support. There is 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