As a people-focused company, MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd was inspired by Mind’s decades-long commitment to supporting and empowering those experiencing mental health problems. Operating across England and Wales, Mind campaigns to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding of mental health issues.

Through this partnership, MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd will support Mind in ensuring that individuals experiencing mental health problems can access the life-changing support they need. This is particularly important as 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem, and more than 2 million people—including 1.5 million adults and over half a million children and young people—are currently on the waiting list for mental health care in England.

Catherine Brown, People and Culture Director, MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd, said: “When choosing which charity to support we engaged with staff from across the network asking for suggestions, and it came as no surprise that the most talked about charity was Mind. The decision to support Mind was personal for many employees and we were thoroughly impressed by the heart-warming passion and admiration surrounding this life-supporting charity.

“It is said that one in four people will experience a mental health problem, this is truly an alarming statistic. We’re proud to support Mind in ensuring those with mental health problems get the support they need and we’re confident that together we can make a difference.”

Andrew Berrie, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Mind, said: “We are excited about this new partnership with MAN Truck & Bus Ltd. We’re looking forward to working with MAN Truck &Bus Ltd over the next two years and want to say a huge thank you to them for choosing to support Mind.

“We’re in the middle of a mental health crisis and those of us experiencing mental health problems need our support now more than ever. That’s why the money raised through this partnership is crucial. It will allow us to be there for those who need us most through our vital services such as Mind’s Infoline, legal line, support line and our online peer support community Side by Side.”

Stefan Thyssen, Managing Director, MAN Truck & Bus UK Ltd, added, “As a people focussed business, we are extremely excited to be partnering with Mind, an organisation that has, for over the last seven decades, helped millions of people, treating them with dignity, support and respect.”

“Over the next two years we will hold a number of fundraising events across the business in support of this fantastic charity. The easiest and first step to making a change is to simply listen and support.

“MAN already has an Employee Assistance Programme that offers a range of employee support and counselling services and a network of Mental Health First Aiders. We feel that through our partnership with Mind we will be able to further enhance the support for our employees and assist this fantastic charity in their work with the public.” Concluded Stefan.

Some alarming facts about Mental Health.

·       1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem of some kind each year in England.

·       1 in 6 people report experiencing a common mental health problem (like anxiety and depression) in any given week.

·       2 million people are currently stuck on waiting lists for NHS mental health services. Many will reach crisis point.

·       1 in 5 people have suicidal thoughts, 1 in 14 people self-harm, and 1 in 15 people attempt suicide (Suicidal thoughts and self-harm are not mental health diagnoses, but they are related to mental health). Women are more likely to have suicidal thoughts and make more suicide attempts than men, but men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.

·       Approximately only 1 in 3 adults with common mental health problems are currently getting treatment in the form of talking therapies (counselling) medication or both.