Samaritans to support Coffee #1 to be emotionally aware

A new partnership will see Coffee #1 aim to raise £100k over two years for Samaritans and the charity supporting its staff to be better listeners.

Money raised from fundraising events and the public across all 92 Coffee #1 shops, will be used to help fund the service and ensure Samaritans volunteers are available around the clock, to provide emotional support to anyone who is going through a difficult time.

Samaritans will also train Coffee #1 employees to be more emotionally aware through workshops, which aim to improve their listening skills, so they can support any of their colleagues who maybe struggling.

Matthew Gray, Corporate Account Manager at Samaritans said: “The fundraising support we’ve received from Coffee #1 already has been brilliant.

“We are very excited about involving staff in the workshops and helping them to become better listeners, so they can support their work colleagues. Listening is a central part of Samaritans service with volunteers responding to hundreds of people every day. We hope to share this knowledge and highlight to staff the importance of looking after your own emotional wellbeing.”

The coffee chain has already kicked off fundraising by selling special green jumper gingerbread in coffee shops on Samaritans Brew Monday. Brew Monday, which this year took place on Monday 21 January, encourages people to get together with friends, family and work mates, who may be lonely, for a cuppa and a chat.

Bruce Newman Coffee#1 Director said: “We are delighted to announce our partnership with the Samaritans. At Coffee#1 we take the mental health and wellbeing of all our staff very seriously and the partnership with Samaritans will enable us to provide our team extra support, while also fundraising for the vital work Samaritans undertake.

“Life in the workplace or at home isn’t always easy, and whether its feelings of isolation, relationship problems or financial concerns, there are many reasons people require support. Through this partnership, I hope we can all learn how to be better listeners and more adept in identifying colleagues and customers who need to talk.”

Coffee #1 shops across Wales, South West, South Coast and the West Midlands will be hosting fundraising events and staff will support by taking part in challenge events. Customers will also have the option to make a £1 donation directly to Samaritans when purchasing their coffees and treats.

Related posts

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.