Local housebuilder, Barratt Developments Yorkshire East, continues to support the communities in which it builds, by donating £1,000 as part of its Community Fund scheme to York Mind, in memory of Alex Hebblethwaite.
The charity was nominated by Nicola Wilson, PA to the Commercial Director at Barratt Developments Yorkshire East, following the sad loss of her close friend Alex Hebblethwaite who recently took his own life following a battle with mental ill-health struggles, anxiety and depression.
Nicola’s chosen charity, York Mind, is a leading local provider of services supporting individuals dealing with mental ill-health, aiming to work towards recovery, social inclusion, and integration in mainstream activities including learning, volunteering and employment. The York-based charity aims to raise awareness and combat stigma surrounding mental health conditions across the region.
Nicola commented: “Talking about our mental health is more important than ever, as we face an unprecedented pandemic in which a lot of people will continue to struggle over the coming weeks, months and years. Since the loss of Alex, I’ve made it my mission to raise awareness around mental health, and spread Alex’s story far and wide to prevent others from following a similar path, should they feel like there is no way out. I’d encourage anyone who can donate, no matter how little, to contribute toward the fantastic work that York Mind does to support those most vulnerable in our community.”
Alongside supporting Nicola’s personal connection to York Mind, raising awareness around mental health in the construction industry is also a priority for Barratt Developments as recent data from the Home Builders Federation (HBF) outlines that 400 construction workers take their own lives each year, with the risk of suicide in male construction workers over three times higher than the male national average.
The findings also conclude that 55% of construction workers have struggled with mental health in their lifetime, in addition to 9 out of 10 people believing they will face stigma or discrimination if they speak about their mental health.
Daniel Smith, Managing Director at Barratt Developments Yorkshire East, commented: “York Mind does a truly fantastic job in offering its support to those in need, and as this charity has been personally nominated by one of our team members, it holds a particularly special place in our hearts. We hope that our Community Fund donation will help to raise awareness of Nicola’s mission to support York Mind and its life-saving work across the region, whilst also promoting more discussion around mental well-being within the construction industry.”
Holly Bilton, Fundraising Manager at York Mind, commented: “We are truly thankful to Nicola and to Barratt Developments Community Fund for thinking to support York Mind, in memory of Alex. It’s a difficult time for charities. During the pandemic, we have continued to support people in York who are experiencing mental ill-health – however, our fundraising income has seen a downturn as so many local events have been cancelled or postponed. Recent research suggests that the changes we have all faced this year will have a lasting impact on the nation’s mental health, and so we are incredibly grateful for this donation, which will help us continue to be there for people today, and in the future too.”
Last year, as part of its Community Fund initiative, Barratt Developments Yorkshire East donated £12,000 to various charities and organisations across the region, including York-based Hob Moor Oaks and Bereaved Children Support York.
Author: Katie
Katie Savage