Branston announces its Charities of the Year for 2018

Following the annual staff vote, Branston has chosen Rethink Mental Illness and its charity partner Support in Mind Scotland as the company-wide charities of the year for 2018.

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. And despite nearly 15% of people experiencing mental health problems in the workplace at any one time, there is still an unnecessary stigma attached to the issue.

Simon Telfer, HR director 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.”

In addition to charity 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.

Frances Simpson, CEO of Support in Mind Scotland, said: “We are delighted to embark on this exciting new charity partnership with Branston Ltd. It was an honour to be chosen by staff at their Perth site, who have already indicated how passionate they are about raising mental health awareness and supporting the services we deliver across Scotland.

“Branston has generously supported a number of good causes in recent years, and Support in Mind Scotland is very much looking forward to working alongside such a community-spirited workforce.”

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.”

Branston will be fundraising for the charities throughout 2018 with a range of activities, including its annual 100 mile bike ride and various team events.

Find out more about the charities - www.supportinmindscotland.org.uk and www.rethink.org