Ex-Saints visit St Mary's to see Saints By Your Side impact

Ex-Saints representatives recently visited St Mary's Stadium to observe a Saints By Your Side support group session. The visit allowed the funding partner to see the direct impact of their financial contributions on local mental health initiatives.

This visit was the second time the group has engaged with the project this year. Their previous engagement involved attending a football-based session, whereas this recent visit focused on the support group aspect of the programme. This provided a different perspective on how the initiative operates beyond sports activities.

During the session, Ex-Saints members met with participants to hear personal accounts of how the programme assists with mental wellbeing. The project aims to help local men reduce isolation, increase their confidence, and gain practical tools for managing their mental health in a safe environment.

The partnership between Ex-Saints and Saints Foundation focuses on the long-term sustainability of the Saints By Your Side project. Earlier this year, Ex-Saints provided funding intended to expand mental health support access throughout Southampton.

By meeting with those involved, Ex-Saints demonstrated a commitment to the community that extends beyond financial backing. The conversations held during the session highlighted the role of community-based support in improving the lives of participants through shared experiences and relationship building.