DAFC & Samaritan’s 5th Year Anniversary

Bucket collection and warm up tops ahead of tomorrow`s match

As a club, we are committed to doing all we can to help charities and worthy causes, particularly in our local area. The values of Samaritans of Dunfermline are the same values held at Dunfermline Athletic. We are proud to be celebrating our 5th anniversary with Dunfermline Samaritans, with many more in the future.

Samaritans of Dunfermline have been a part of the local charitable community for over 50 years now. In that time they have served the communities of Dunfermline and West Fife. As well as serving the local community Samaritans of Dunfermline link to the wider population now, due to increases in technology, allowing contact with much greater numbers.

The aim of Samaritans is that, Fewer People Die by Suicide, however Samaritans encourage those, who although are not suicidal but are nevertheless struggling and in distress and despair, to get in touch by phone, e mail and by on line chat. It has been long established that young and middle aged men and young people are at greater risk of suicidal thoughts and suicide than other sections of the community. Traditionally football fans come from those groups at risk, so both Samaritans and DAFC came together and decided that a partnership would serve those at risk best by highlighting the services offered by Samaritans. The partnership takes the form of joint media exposure such as Twitter, DAFC and Samaritans of Dunfermline websites, local radio and local press, pitch side advertising, as well as match day programme advertising. A major element of the partnership is the annual Awareness Day where Samaritans volunteers conduct a bucket collection prior to a first team match, a pre-prepared joint statement is read out before kick off and at half time advertising the commitment to helping those who need help the most. Much use is made of social media and the press to highlight the occasion and further spread the message that “You Are Not Alone.”

Samaritans of Dunfermline are a charity in their own right, although affiliated to the national charity of Samaritans the local Branch is self funded and relies solely upon donations and fund raising to maintain the operation throughout the year. Having the opportunity to fundraise at East End Park is a privilege, but even more importantly is the opportunity to get the message over to fans that “It Is Good To Talk”, and that Samaritans are available across the UK and The Republic of Ireland day and night for those in despair and distress, and suicidal.