The Benevolent extends mental health support to Scotland and Northern Ireland

Drinks industry charity The Benevolent has partnered with Hospitality Ulster and The BEN to extend its support to members of the drinks trade facing mental health difficulties in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

From Wednesday, 29 August, colleagues from the Scottish and Northern Irish drinks industry will have access to The Benevolent’s counselling helpline, which was launched in 2017 by The Benevolent with the aim of providing immediate help to those in the industry seeking support with mental health issues. This service is completely free, 100% confidential and manned by professional counsellors.

“I’m very pleased and proud that this vital campaign is now truly nationwide with our friends and colleagues at the BEN and Hospitality Ulster. It’s the first time we have worked together on a project but if there is ever a cause and campaign that complements all our strategic goals then it is #NotAlone. Everyone working in the UK drinks industry now has access to professionally trained counsellors for an open a conversation that will help deliver support anywhere it is needed in the drinks industry community across the country,” said Chris Porter, CEO of The Benevolent.

The partnership follows the launch of a campaign by The Benevolent, called #NotAlone, last year, which was designed to encourage people to speak freely about mental health issues ranging from depression, severe stress and anxiety, and runs in partnership with a new area of the charity’s website devoted to mental health.

The campaign’s main objective is to encourage members of the trade to talk about mental health difficulties, reminding both employers and employees of the industry that help is available through a centralised support system provided by The Benevolent.

Colin Neill, chief executive of Hospitality Ulster added: “With the combined reach of our three organisations, we can now provide support to every part of our industry and in every city, town and village in the UK. Mental health has long been a taboo subject, but not anymore and our message is very clear; you are #NotAlone. If you work or have previously worked in our industry, The Benevolent is here to help with free and confidential support.”

The Benevolent’s counselling helpline is available from 8am to 8pm by calling 0800 9154610.