Drinks industry charity The Benevolent partner with Hospitality Ulster and The BEN to expand access to mental health helpline nationwide.
The Benevolent is a charity that provides mental health support to people who work, or have worked, in the UK’s drinks industry. In 2017, the charity launched a mental health helpline, staffed by trained counsellors, to provide immediate assistance to anyone in need of help. Thanks to new partnerships with Hospitality Ulster and The BEN, this helpline is now available to drinks industry workers in Northern Ireland and Scotland.
The mental health helpline number is 0800 915 4610, and it is open from 8am – 8pm, Monday to Sunday.
The Benevolent’s #NotAlone campaign, which is designed to address any lingering stigma attached to mental health and encourage sufferers to seek help, is also being rolled out to Scotland and Northern Ireland. The campaign’s main aim is to encourage bar folk to talk about mental health difficulties rather than suffering in silence, and to remind them that confidential help is at hand.
Chris Porter, CEO of The Benevolent said: “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.”
Chris Gardner, CEO of The BEN Scotland commented: “This is a great opportunity for us to work with The Benevolent and Hospitality Ulster to benefit everyone, young and old, with a connection to the licensed trade, by giving immediate access to help with mental health issues, which are becoming more prevalent in today’s society. Together we can make a difference”.
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.”