The Benevolent; You’re #NotAlone
Mental health can affect us in so many different ways, making the simplest tasks seem like a mountain to climb. Luckily, in recent times, the stigma has started to break down; no longer is there a common perception that you should just have to grin and bear it, suffering in silence and isolation. There are many different support networks out there to help, making the challenge a whole lot easier. These issues can affect anyone in any industry, and for people in the trade, it’s no different. In fact, 1 in 3 people who work within the drinks industry have been affected by a form of mental health difficulty. We attended an event hosted by BrewBroker at DigBrew back in July. With a room rammed with individuals connected to the industry, Chris Baker gave a presentation on mental health.
Chris had come to represent a charity known as The Benevolent who are committed to breaking down the stigma around mental health. It offers an awesome support system aimed at helping and supporting anyone who works or has worked in the UK brewing and pub sector, including any jobs involving alcoholic drinks brands. They can help in a variety of different ways, offering support not only to the individuals that are affected by mental health issues but their families too. They’ve even created a mental health area on their website, where you can find up to date information and useful resources to help when you are suffering from mental health difficulties.
In 2018, The Benevolent launched its new mental health awareness campaign #NotAlone, making it the first drinks industry specific mental health campaign in the UK. The campaign is aiming to create a stigma-free conversation about mental health in the workplace. It focuses on distinct issues unique to the industry such as long hours, lack of sleep and easy access to alcohol.
The Benevolent mental health seminars - ‘Minds Matter’
After receiving a grant awarded from The Tales of the Cocktail Foundation, The Benevolent is now inviting hospitality workers to ‘Minds Matter’ mental health workshops. The purpose of ‘Minds Matter’ is to create a Benevolent certified Mental Health Awareness course that encourages bartenders to thrive by embracing self-care, acquiring knowledge of mental health and learning how to feel confident to ask for help when needed. During the workshops, attendees will learn about mental health and common techniques to build resilience, and they will leave knowing what to do if life throws a cocktail of problems at them. The first ‘Minds Matter’ session will be held on:7th November at Tanner & Co.50 Bermondsey StreetLondonSE1 3UD10.30am – 5pmIf anyone is struggling with mental health issues, The Benevolent has a free, 100% confidential helpline and email service for anyone who needs to talk to a professional counsellor. The helpline is available 7 days a week, from 8am to 8pm on 0800 915 4610. You’re #NotAlone
