9th May 2022
Frontier Agriculture Ltd is marking this Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) by donating £10,000 to charity. The donation will be split between mental health and agricultural charities including Shout, BEAT, Mind, Anxiety UK, Sane, Addington Fund, Farming Community Network, R.A.B.I and R.S.A.B.I.
“Our chosen charities do really important work in supporting people from the agricultural community and more widely with mental health challenges,” explains Diana MacDuff, Group Finance Director at Frontier. “We are keen to ensure that these charities receive the financial support they require to continue to provide help to those who need it most.”
Mental Health Awareness Week 2022
MHAW is the UK’s national week to raise awareness of mental health and has been run by the Mental Health Foundation for 22 years.
Frontier is using this year’s theme of ‘loneliness’ to encourage colleagues – many of whom are still working fully or predominantly at home – to reconnect with one another at sites by hosting a range of local on-site activities. Some examples of activities taking place are wellbeing walks, team meals, meditation sessions, coffee mornings, and craft sessions.
“This year’s theme of loneliness feels particularly appropriate given that many of us have felt disconnected or alone at some point during the pandemic,” Diana notes.
“We’re encouraging colleagues who have experienced feelings of isolation over the last two years to take this opportunity to reconnect with one another, whether it be for a face-to-face meeting, a coffee or a bite to eat.”
Speaking on this year’s theme, Mark Rowland, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation said, “Loneliness deserves more attention and we’re calling on everyone who has struggled as a result of being lonely to share their experiences. We must work together – as individuals, as a society and through government policy – to reduce loneliness and prevent mental health problems by investing in welcoming, social spaces and new community initiatives.”
In addition to its on-site activities, Frontier is marking the occasion with an all-staff prize draw, giving employees the chance to win up to a week of additional annual leave.
Frontier’s work during MHAW22 is part of its work under The Responsible Choice (TRC) to
promote and encourage good mental health awareness and practices, particularly among those working within agriculture.
How you can engage with MHAW
- During Mental Health Awareness Week, use the hashtag #IveBeenThere to share experiences of loneliness to support others and give the campaign momentum.
- Sign up to walk, run or jog as part of the Mental Health Foundation’s 80 Miles in May challenge and share your photos using #80MilesinMay and #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek.
For more information about this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week, visit mentalhealth.org.uk/mhaw or join the conversation on social media using the hashtags above.
