Newcastle Building Society has signed up to become a business champion of Newcastle United Foundation’s Be A Game Changer initiative.
The mental health awareness campaign that uses the topic of football to encourage everyone to talk openly about mental health. The building society’s employees will have access to the campaign as part of its partnership.
Stuart Miller, chief customer officer at Newcastle Building Society, said: “The topic of mental health isn’t always easy to approach – especially for men. And whilst few of sus are experts, we all have a role to play by looking out for each other and being part of a workplace culture that encourages colleagues to talk openly about their mental health.”
Thomas Graham, health and wellbeing project coordinator at Newcastle United Foundation, said: “We are incredibly proud to welcome Newcastle Building Society as Be A Game Changer champions and to bolster their commitment to better mental health for all. We expect many staff members will benefit from peer support, mental wellbeing tips and guidance tailored to their needs as part of our campaign that focusses on our shared identity as football supporters in the North East.”
Homebuilder Barratt Developments North East is showing its support for servicewomen by installing Women in War figures at 17 of its developments in the region.
Barratt has teamed up with the Royal British Legion Industries for its Women in War campaign which aims to shine a spotlight on the efforts of women both in the military and civilian occupations.
The figures can also be purchased online, with funds going to RBLI’s services.
Carl Sobolewski, managing director of Barratt Developments North East, said: “We are delighted to be able to show our support for the Armed Forces with these installations at our developments across the North East. We are proud to have welcomed many veterans through our Armed Forces Transition Programme and we’d encourage local residents to show their support this VE Day by purchasing a ‘Women in War’ figure from the RBLI.”
Three North East business leaders have been shortlisted as regional finalists in EY’s Entrepreneur Of The Year awards.
Dan Martin, chief executive of Elmtronics/Mer; Brenda McLeish, CEO of Learning Curve Group; and Brinsley Sheridan, director of RE:GEN Group Ltd, are among those up for an award.
Ben Wildsmith, EY Entrepreneur Of The Year UK Partner Sponsor in in the North said: “The innovation, leadership and positive societal contribution made by entrepreneurs plays an important role inspiring the next generation of business leaders, today and tomorrow.
“It’s great to welcome this year’s North regional finalists into our entrepreneurial community and to see the range of different industries represented. The innovation shown by these individuals is vital to fuelling growth in the local economy, creating jobs and helping to maintain an entrepreneurial spirit in the North of England.”
A North East business coach is joining forces with a mental health charity in a bid to reduce the number of suicides in the region.
Ian Kinnery is working with Teesside charity The Headlight Project to raise awareness of its work and help to reduce the number of deaths by suicide in the region.
He said: “Over the next few months, I will be working with the trustees and leadership team at the project to help them be clear about what they are trying to achieve, as well as helping to help them get there successfully. Mental health is a cause that is particularly important to me, and compassionate employers need to be aware of the danger that is presented to the people in their care.”
Catherine Devereux, who founded the Headlight Project after the suicide of her husband Russ, said: “Ian has given us his time, which is precious, and his knowledge, which is invaluable. We are immensely grateful for all his help and support.”
