Benenden Health take the Time to Talk about mental health
2nd February 2018
We joined thousands of people across the UK by encouraging more conversations to happen on Time to Talk Day this year.
We got staff talking on ‘Time To Talk Day’ (Thursday 1st February), in a bid to improve and raise awareness of mental health issues.
We also used this national awareness day to kick-start an exciting new partnership with Clifton-based mental health charity, York Mind.
Emmie Wise, CSR & Engagement Co-ordinator for Benenden, explains:
“We can’t wait to focus more on mental health with the help of York Mind, and are looking forward to fundraising in aid of such a worthy cause throughout the year.
Benenden Health has been working to prioritise mental health for quite some time now, and 2017 saw the business sign the Time to Change Pledge, and provide training in Mental Health First Aid. However, as this move has been voted for by staff across the organisation, it’s clear that this topic is of high importance to us all, not just as a business, but as individuals too.”
The decision for the two organisations to work together was made by Benenden staff, who voted in December of last year for their ‘Charity of the Year 2018’. The results showed clearly that colleagues recognised and valued mental health as a rising problem, and wanted to take positive action to change this.
And 2018 looks set to be packed with action for employees, with planned activities to include dress down days, cake sales, awareness days on site and a team of 16 staff to take part in the Rotary Dragon Boat Race.
Holly Bilton, Community Fundraiser at York Mind, said:
“We are so thrilled that Benenden Health staff have chosen to support York Mind with their fundraising and awareness activities this year. It is very encouraging to see the positive steps that have already been taken to make Benenden Health a supportive place to work, for staff members who may be struggling with their mental wellbeing. We look forward to working together closely with the team, to help York Mind continue and develop our vital 1-2-1 and group based services in York. Good things really can start with just one conversation.”
