We are pleased to announce that the Samaritans’ key messaging is now proudly on display at the Crown Oil Arena.
A perimeter board, featuring the wording ‘Talking can change your life’ and the charity’s telephone number, has been installed in front of the Main Stand, meaning it’s in full view of the TV cameras on a matchday.
In addition, supporters watching our League One fixture against Accrington Stanley on iFollow this Saturday will see a powerful Samaritans advert before the game and at half-time.
Rochdale Football Club is proud to have partnered with the Samaritans this season, and to coincide with World Mental Health Day this Saturday, members of the local Samaritans branch popped into the Crown Oil Arena this week to leave some of their cards around the Club and encourage any supporter who is struggling with lockdown to reach out for help and support.
Dale’s Commercial Director, Frances Fielding, commented: “Samaritans volunteers do tremendous work and we are very proud to support this amazing charity. We will be working in partnership with Samaritans throughout the season.
“The Football Club has had a link with the local branch of Samaritans for many years but we have been keen to go one step further, especially during these difficult times that many are currently facing, and have their key messaging, in the form of an eye-catching perimeter board, in a prominent position at the Crown Oil Arena. We are delighted that the board is in place ahead of World Mental Health Day on Saturday.
“We know that it has been extremely difficult for many of our fans not having the social aspect of attending games at the Crown Oil Arena and experiencing isolation during the lock down. It’s really important to reach out when you do need support and know that help is there.”
Moyra Purves, Branch Director at Rochdale, Oldham and District Samaritans, added: “We’re really happy to have a Samaritans sign at the Crown Oil Arena. We’ve always been a supporter of the Club and they have always supported us.
“We are really missing coming to the ground to bucket collect on a Saturday and I hope it’s not too long until we’re back.
“We hope that anyone who needs support will call our number, because Samaritans are always there for you, 24/7.”
To support the Samaritans and the excellent work they do within the community, the players have all signed and donated a shirt to raise money for the charity.
Supporters can bid by emailing media@rochdaleafc.co.uk to purchase the signed RAFC shirt via a blind auction. All funds raised will be donated to the Rochdale, Oldham and District Samaritans branch to help support the excellent work they do. The auction will end at midday on Thursday 15th October.
Rochdale, Oldham and District Samaritans is your local branch of Samaritans. Although they are not open for face-to-face visits at the moment, they are still there to support anyone who needs emotional support. Samaritans volunteers are busy 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and that hasn’t changed during the pandemic.
Should you ever need to contact them, or you would like to pass their details onto someone you think might need support, here are the important contact details that you’ll need:
Telephone number | 116123
Email address | jo@samaritans.org