Intelect Appoints Mental Health Champions And Partners Up With The Headlight Project
Intelect marks Mental Health Awareness Week with various long-term wellbeing commitments, including a new charity partnership with the Headlight Project, and the announcement of six internal Mental Health Champions.
Having supported the Headlight Project since its inception back in 2019, following the recent announcement of their 5th Wheel initiative, Intelect were delighted to become an official corporate supporter of the charity, helping them to deliver invaluable services in the Tees Valley.
Founded in memory of Russ Devereux, the Headlight Project aims to reduce the number of deaths by suicide in the region, through therapy of those bereaved by suicide, as well as prevention and education training.
As part of the awareness week, three of Intelect’s newly appointed Mental Health Champions also took part in one of the charities first awareness events, ‘Shining the light on suicide and prevention’. The session touched on the fact that the North East has had the highest suicide rates for six of the last ten years, highlighting just how much of a serious community problem this is in the area.
Catherine Devereux, Founder and Trustee of the Headlight Project said, “It means such a lot to me personally, and to the charity, that Intelect have joined the 5th Wheel Supporters programme. I’ve worked with Intelect for a number of years, and their support of the charity is invaluable.
“We rely heavily on fundraising, which isn’t guaranteed at any time, but now with corporate support, it means we have much needed stability to keep providing our services to those who need it.”
Intelect’s QHSE Manager, and one of the newly appointed Mental Health Champions, Mike Cook said, “The health and wellbeing of our team is of paramount importance to us, and as a business we want to ensure we’re doing everything we can to support every individual, not just during mental health awareness week, but all year round.
“Having supported the Headlight Project in various ways over the years, we’re delighted to be able to solidify our partnership with them as a Corporate Supporter, building on our relationship with them as they continue to grow and prosper as a charity.
He continued, “As well as our support of the Headlight Project, we’re also very proud to launch our own internal Mental Health Champions, who are due to commence their training in August this year.
“For us, we felt it was vital to provide an additional layer of internal support, on top of the other initiatives we already have in place, as this offers another option for our employees to speak with someone, should they feel they need to.”
Intelect are already a member of the industry charity, Lighthouse Club, who provide 24/7 support to construction industry workers when it comes to mental health and wellbeing, they also offer an annual health surveillance, as well as wellbeing checks for all staff.