Leading Belfast-based distribution company, GM Marketing has announced its aim to raise £20,000 for AWARE NI, the depression charity for Northern Ireland.
Northern Ireland has the highest rate of mental health problems in the UK*, with a 25% higher overall prevalence of mental health problems than England for both children and adults2.
“AWARE were chosen following a company-wide consultation process that was managed by our newly formed Social and Well-being Committee named THRIVE”, said Kaitlyn Martin, Brand Manager, GM Marketing. “One in five adults in Northern Ireland has a mental health condition at any one time so we are very proud of our aim to raise £20,000 over the next two years to help AWARE continue their life-saving work.”
Kaitlyn continued: “Our fundraising efforts, as well as raising much-needed income for AWARE, will also be of benefit to the whole GM Marketing team as we’ll be holding workshops for areas including financial management plus education and awareness around mental and physical well-being. We are already on course to raise our year one target of £8k and with lots more fun events planned over the coming months and into next year, we are sure to hit our overall target.
“As part of our relationship with AWARE we plan to create a pool of mental health first aiders who will be a confidential resource for team members who may be experiencing depression and mental health issues. We have also signed up to the Mental Health Charter to help create a workplace culture that promotes equality of opportunity and respect for those with mental ill health”, concluded Kaitlyn.
Natasha Mackay, Corporate Partnership Officer at AWARE, added: “We are thrilled to partner with GM Marketing in our mission to bring awareness and support to mental health here in Northern Ireland. This collaboration reflects GM Marketing’s commitment to making a positive impact in our community. With their dedicated support, we look forward to creating meaningful change and fostering greater understanding about mental well-being within their workplace and the wider society.”
AWARE NI is the Depression Charity for Northern Ireland, offering support and education for people with depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. The charity has a large network of peer-led support groups, and delivers mental health and well-being programmes into communities, schools, universities and workplaces, teaching attendees techniques to look after their own mental health and wellbeing.
Founded by Gerard McAdorey in 2000, GM Marketing spans the island of Ireland and into GB with a varied portfolio which consists of food, beverage, baby, household, and foodservice brands as well as several own-label products such as Free’ist No Added Sugar Chocolate and Favourit Herbs & Spices. The GM Marketing brand portfolio includes household names Yazoo, Nando’s, Fox’s, Tilda and baby food brand, Hipp. As well as alcohol brands Canti, cocktail-in-a-can products, Shake Baby Shake and Canvino, alongside a growing wine portfolio. GM Marketing handles distribution to the wholesale and convenience markets for all brand partners as well as providing marketing support.
