Employees from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks' (SSEN) Perth and Dundee depots turned rivals last week, raising over £400 for mental health charities SAMH and the Samaritans.
Alex Petrie, Manager and Mental Health First Aider at SSEN's Perth Depot hosted a charity football match to raise awareness and funds, bringing together 26 employees from across the region to fight it out in a friendly, yet competitive, game. Dundee edged out Perth 6-5 in the 11-goal thriller at Bridge of Earn, with charity the winner in the end.
Commenting on the match, Alex said:
"It was great to bring together employees from our Perth and Dundee depots to raise funds for such a worthwhile cause. As a Mental Health First Aider at SSEN, anything I can do to raise awareness, help remove any stigma and provide support to my colleagues is welcomed."
"Special thanks must go to Bridge of Earn for the use of the pitch, nets and corner flags, The Last Cask pub for their hospitality, the guys who lined the pitches and to Brook Heron and Gavin Bloice for bringing the teams together. It was a great team effort from all involved and we'll hopefully be back in the future to even the score."
SSEN has been training a network of Mental Health First Aiders (MFHAs) to recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems or crises. MHFAs are equipped with the knowledge to direct colleagues living with mental health problems to sources of professional support, helping to remove stigma and fear and to give confidence in approaching a person in distress.