Director Adam Kuznesof has completed the Great North Run, successfully raising £608.71 for Mind.
'It was a fantastic experience,' says Adam. 'It was great to overcome a challenge like the Great North Run, and it was made all the better knowing I raised money for Mind. It's a cause that is very close to my heart, and I'm pleased that I've been able to contribute, even just a little, to the work that they're doing for people in the North East and the rest of the UK.'
Mind is a mental health charity, offering information and support to hundreds of thousands of people across the UK. There are currently 135 local Minds across the UK, offering confidential help for mental health, information on mental health and the law, as well as counselling, therapy and professional training. Mind also campaigns on a wide variety of issues affecting those with mental health problems, such as health services, employment and legal rights.
'At Transcendit, we recognise the importance of good mental health,' says Adam. 'Employers have to be proactive. Nearly a third of UK employees have received a formal diagnosis for a mental health issue. Mental health problems affect a huge percentage of your team and your colleagues, and it needs to be taken seriously.'
Adam says that there has been a great deal of emphasis placed on the cost of mental health problems to employers, but that's not what businesses should be focusing on, 'Of course it's important from a business perspective, but it's way more important from a moral perspective. We need to look out for each other, and charities like Mind are doing excellent work within our community - raising money, awareness and making a difference for those affected by mental health issues.'
'And it's happening to people you know; every year, 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem. Mental health issues are affecting our close family, our friends and our colleagues, even if we aren't talking about it. We have to start this dialogue, because that goes some way in removing the stigma around mental health, and getting those struggling the help that they need.'
'We've also made the decision to fund some team training in mental health. St John's Ambulance offer businesses an Adult Mental Health First Aid one day course. This is a great way organisations can help employees recognise the signs of deteriorating mental health, as well as how to help create a mentally healthy workplace.'
If you want to donate to Mind through Adam's JustGiving page, you can do so here. If you want to get involved with the charity, they're often looking for volunteers to help run their services. Check out their vacancies page here. You can find out more about St John's courses on their website.
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