The Benevolent to hold mental health discussion at LWF

By Lisa Riley

Published: 24 April, 2018

Trade charity The Benevolent has joined forces with the London Wine Fair (LWF) to present a panel discussion on mental health at this year’s event.

During the panel discussion, which will take place on Wednesday, 23 May, The Benevolent chief executive, Chris Porter will announce the findings of a report, which has been commissioned to outline the current mental health difficulties experienced by members of the trade. It will look at the implications of these findings and the way forward to support those affected by mental health issues.

Porter said mental health is a “crucial topic” and that the charity is fully committed to stand up for those in need.

“We have a panel where each of the contributors will bring with them a deep understanding of the UK drinks industry as well as providing expertise on mental health difficulties experienced in the industry,” he said.

The charity launched its mental health campaign called #NotAlone in January to encourage the trade to create a ‘stigma-free’ environment within the workplace.

Porter said it has been “overwhelmed” by the subsequent response with 80 industry personnel contacting them about the issue between January and March.

The panel, which will be chaired by Porter, also includes: Miles Beale, chief executive of the Wine & Spirit Trade Association; Christo Eliott Lockhart, sales manager at Hallgarten Druitt; Kat Hounsell, founder of Everyday People and a Mental Health First Aid Trainer; and freelance writer and UK director of 20h33, Mike Turner, who has written about the effects of working in the drinks industry on mental health.

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