Virgin Money has chosen mental health charities Mind and SAMH (Scottish Action for Mental Health) as new corporate charity partners.
Given the intrinsic link between money and mental health, Virgin Money will work alongside Mind and SAMH to support anyone affected by mental health problems and money worries and direct them to the vital services the charities provide – regardless of whether they are a Virgin Money customer or not.
The charitable partnership, which was voted for by Virgin Money colleagues and will run for two years, will also raise funds to support the charities’ vital work. In addition, Mind and SAMH will explore specialist training opportunities for Virgin Money colleagues, which could involve upskilling them to better understand how financial difficulty can impact mental health and how to identify the best support for anyone experiencing a mental health problem.
Mind works across England and Wales to ensure everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets support and respect. This includes through information and support services, as well as campaigning for improvements and reform. SAMH has been pioneering change in Scotland since 1923 and campaigns for better mental health support while also operating an infoline, national programmes and over 70 services in communities across Scotland.
James Peirson, General Counsel & Purpose Officer at Virgin Money, said: “Our colleagues voted for Mind and SAMH as our chosen charity partners because they recognise the vital impact that these charities can have, both on people that use their services and on raising awareness and reducing the stigma around mental health problems.
“We understand that financial difficulties can have a devastating impact on mental health and how experiencing mental health problems can affect how people manage their finances. It’s important that we do all we can to create an inclusive banking experience and offer additional support for those who may need it, which is why we’re proud to be working with Mind and SAMH and are confident that together we can make a difference.”
Jack Matthews, Associate Director of Fundraising at Mind, said: “We are delighted to start a new partnership with Virgin Money, and want to say a huge thank you to them for choosing to support Mind in being there for the growing number of us affected by a mental health problem.
“We are continuing to see a huge toll being taken on the nation’s mental health because of the pandemic and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. That’s why the money raised through this partnership is crucial. It will allow us to continue to provide our support services, like our confidential phone service, Mind Infoline, and online peer support service, Side by Side, so people have somewhere to turn to for advice and information. It will also enable us to continue campaigning, so everyone gets the support and respect they deserve.
“We’re really looking forward to working with Virgin Money colleagues, customers and communities over the next two years and can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.”
Billy Watson, Chief Executive at SAMH, said: “We want to say a huge thank you to Virgin Money colleagues for choosing to support SAMH in our work to improve people’s mental health across Scotland.
“In December, the latest Scottish Health Survey showed that Scotland’s mental health is in particularly bad shape and, on several measures, the worst ever recorded. The money raised through this partnership is so important, as it will allow us to continue to provide our person-centred, community support services and help us campaign for change at national level.
“We’re looking forward to working with everyone at Virgin Money over the next two years to help support even more people with their mental health and wellbeing.”
For more information about Mind and to access mental health support, visit: www.mind.org.uk Link opens in a new window.
For information about SAMH and to find out more about the services it offers, head to: www.samh.org.uk Link opens in a new window.
