Branston has joined up with mental health charity Rethink Mental Illness to help tackle the stigma of mental illness.
Staff at the potato suppliers voted to partner the charity, along with its partner Mind Scotland, and will be raising money for the charities through various activities.
In addition to fundraising, Branston is introducing ‘mental health supporters’ at all its sites this year. These volunteers are receiving special training and are being provided with resources to enable them to help any staff who want support or advice related to any aspects of mental health.
Simon Telfor, HR director at Branston said: “We’re proud to be supporting Rethink Mental Illness and Support in Mind Scotland to make a real difference with our charity fundraising. This year we’re focusing on raising awareness of mental well-being throughout our business so it was great that so many of our staff voted to support a charity that would help us to do that.”
Mental health is reported to be one of the main causes of public health concerns worldwide, affecting more people every year than cancer or heart disease. Despite nearly 15.2% of people experiencing mental health problems in the workplace at any one time, there is still an unnecessary stigma attached to the issue, according to Branston.
Lisa Fraser-Ashton, corporate partnerships manager at Rethink Mental Illness said: “We are thrilled to have been chosen as Branston’s Charity of the Year, alongside our partner charity Support in Mind, Scotland.
“The Branston team has already demonstrated their commitment to supporting both the physical and the mental well-being of their staff, as well as their enthusiasm for fundraising.
“Our partnership aims to raise awareness and offer support to employees who have been affected by mental illness, with money raised being used to start support groups in the local area.”
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