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Compass Group UK & Ireland’s national workplace caterer, Eurest, and facilities management provider, 14forty, have donated £21,000 to Mental Health UK and renewed their existing partnership with the charity for an additional year.
The announcement coincides with World Wellbeing Week (June 27 – July 01), an initiative held every year by World Wellbeing to celebrate the many aspects of wellbeing, including physical, mental and emotional health in the workplace.
Eurest and 14forty’s original alliance with Mental Health UK, born as part of a Compass-wide campaign to emphasise the mental health benefits of taking regular breaks at work, began in May last year.
Eurest and 14forty serve or vend tens of thousands of cups of coffee every week across 700 sites nationwide. Both companies pledged a donation of 5p of every cup sold of their ‘Coffee by Eurest’ and ‘Peak St’ brands to the charity over 12 months, which raised £21,000.
In return, Mental Health UK has worked closely with the two companies to enhance their mental health policies and organise fun events for employees to increase awareness of mental health at work.
These include quizzes, coffee tastings and an engagement call led by Eurest and 14forty’s Mental Health ambassadors with all Eurest and 14forty’s 300 chefs and site managers to positively discuss issues pertaining to mental health and strategies for helping those who may not be in the best frame of mind.
Eurest and 14forty have also incorporated themes, resources and marketing material from Mental Health UK into their regular ‘Wellness Wednesdays’. These aim to educate and empower people working or visiting their restaurants through healthy menu choices.
Katie Legg, Director of Strategy & Partnerships at Mental Health UK, said: “We’re incredibly grateful for the donation and ongoing support from Eurest and 14forty. The return to work was an anxious time for many, reminding employers that mental health is more significant than ever. The money raised will help us provide additional support for those struggling.”
Eurest and 14forty Managing Director, Morag Freathy, said: “Our partnership with Mental Health UK and the issues it tackles are close to our hearts. We’ve been able to help our own employees and customers, so we are delighted to extend the agreement and make a donation.
“The timing is also perfect with World Wellbeing Week upon us. This is an initiative we are keen to support and promote, both through healthy and nutritious food and beverages served in our restaurants, and mental health awareness events.”
Mental Health UK offers support and information to those affected by mental health problems. The charity supports employers to create a workplace culture that values mental health, allowing for openness and improved wellbeing.
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