FIGURES from across football have teamed up to reach out to West Fifers who may be struggling with their mental health and tell them: You're not alone.

To mark National Suicide Prevention Week, which began on Saturday and runs until this Sunday, Dunfermline Athletic, Kelty Hearts and Inverkeithing Hillfield Swifts, as well as Dunfermline-born Scotland international Caroline Weir, have come together to encourage people to ask for support in times of distress and crisis.

Together with Fife Health and Social Care Partnership's health promotion service, and Cowdenbeath FC, Raith Rovers FC, East Fife FC and Fife Flyers ice hockey club, they feature in a powerful video that encourages those who are struggling to ask for help and showcases what support is available.

In Scotland, suicide is a leading cause of death in people aged between 35-54, with men three times more likely to die than women.

The country has also seen a rise in young men aged between 15-24 taking their own life, and Fife Health and Social Care Partnership are lending their backing to the national action plan 'Every Life Matters' with their 'You're not on your own' video message.

It is anticipated that the affects of the COVID-19 pandemic on individual health and wellbeing will be felt for some time to come, with adverse impacts on people's mental health likely to be exacerbated by fear, self-isolation, and physical distancing.

The campaign is urging people to be able to talk openly and honestly, whether that be with family, friends or professionals, and Nicky Connor, a director with Fife Health and Social Care Partnership, said: "Suicide can affect us all and as a community we all have a part to play.

"It is so important to know that you are not alone and there is support out there. It is by working together at a national, local and individual level that will help to prevent suicide, ensuring every life matters in Fife."

Eddie Martin, Dunfermline Athletic's mental health ambassador, commented: "Dunfermline Athletic is very proud to be involved as a partner in this project. Suicide is a community health problem that affects everyone.

"This association with Fife Health and Social Care Partnership came from the successful mental health awareness sessions that we’ve delivered at East End Park, not just for the fan base, but for the wider community as well.

"The message of the campaign is very important and this shows that help and great support groups are out there."

Support groups that also feature in the campaign video include Andy's Man Club, the Samaritans, CARF (Citizens Advice and Rights Fife) and mental health charities Penumbra and SAM's Cafe.

Penumbra is one of Scotland's largest mental health organisations, supporting 1,800 adults and young people experiencing mental ill health a week.

In Fife, their self-harm team support people in a friendly, non-judgemental way, providing a space for people to explore their behaviour and alternative coping strategies.

SAM's, which has a drop-in centre on Woodmill Road, Dunfermline, was established in April last year and believe in the potential for "working towards a mentally-flourishing Fife" with a support approach that is "down to earth, understandable and is a drop in-with no need for an appointment".

You can watch the video by clicking here.