The Benevolent reveals mental health campaign

By Lisa Riley

Published: 16 January, 2018

The Benevolent has launched a mental health awareness campaign to encourage the trade to create a ‘stigma-free’ environment within the workplace.

The #NotAlone push, which is live now, utilises existing communications channels within the trade by providing relevant staff, such as HR, IT and CSR representatives, easy to use digital resources and printed materials

It is aimed at encouraging members of the trade to speak freely about mental health issues within the workplace and to remind both employers and employees that The Benevolent “is here with professionals at hand” who could help, said newly appointed CEO, Chris Porter.

“I cannot imagine what it must be like to be living with depression, severe stress and anxiety and having nowhere to go or no one to talk to - mental health issues are not restricted to class, race, gender, sexual or religious orientation but can affect anyone at anytime in their lives and our trade is no exception,” he said.

Announced by chairman Tom Yusef at The Vintners’ Company Annual Wine Trade Lunch held last Friday in aid of The Benevolent, the campaign spearheaded the charity’s existing work planned for this year, which Yusef said would see The Benevolent offering “an even greater level” of support to those in the industry who were currently suffering real hardship and difficulty in their lives.

“Upon appointment as chairman, I have committed to do my utmost in the interest of those whose benefit we strive to serve - this is still my priority and I am looking forward to another new year of success,” he said.

At the event, Yusef also announced the launch of a survey addressed to the UK drinks industry members, aimed at outlining current mental health difficulties experienced by members of the UK drinks industry.

Moreover, Ewan Murray from The Wine Society was awarded with the Vintners’ Benevolent Awards, for his outstanding support to the charity.

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