Ellisons has announced a year-long drive to support mental health after naming Suffolk Mind and Mid and North East Essex Mind as its Charity of the Year partners.
The initiative reflects the law firm’s commitment to supporting the wellbeing of the communities it serves and builds on longstanding relationships with both charities. Over the coming year, colleagues from Ellisons’ offices in Colchester, Bury St Edmunds, Chelmsford, Frinton-on-Sea, Ipswich and Norwich will take part in fundraising, volunteering and awareness activities designed to make a lasting difference across Suffolk and Essex. Alongside raising vital funds, the partnership aims to encourage more open conversations about mental health, challenge stigma and promote the support available to people across the region.
Ian Seeley, Partner and Chair of Ellisons’ Corporate Social Responsibility Committee, said: “Everyone knows someone whose life has been affected by poor mental health. It affects families, friends, workplaces and communities, which is why we wanted to make mental wellbeing the focus of our charity partnerships this year. Through my work with businesses in the construction sector, I’ve seen how important it is to break down stigma and ensure people know that support is available. While construction has made significant progress in talking more openly about mental health, this is an issue that reaches every sector and every community. We’re proud to be strengthening our longstanding relationships with Suffolk Mind and Mid and North East Essex Mind. Together, we hope to raise vital funds, increase understanding of mental health and encourage more people to seek support when they need it, or simply start a conversation with someone who may be struggling.”
Jon Neal, Chief Executive Officer of Suffolk Mind, said: “Ellisons has been a valued supporter of Suffolk Mind for many years, and we’re pleased to be building on that relationship through this partnership. It’s encouraging to see a business with such strong roots in the region place mental wellbeing at the heart of its community programme. By working together, we can help more people develop the knowledge and confidence to look after their own mental health and support the wellbeing of those around them. Every conversation we start and every opportunity to improve understanding helps build healthier, more resilient communities.”
Ginny Idehen, Chief Executive Officer of Mid and North East Essex Mind, added: “Our longstanding relationship with Ellisons has always been built on a shared commitment to supporting local people, so it’s wonderful to be taking that partnership a step further. As demand for mental health support continues to grow, collaborations like this help ensure more people can access the advice, services and support they need, when they need it most. The funds raised over the coming year will have a direct impact on the people we support across Mid and North East Essex, while the partnership will also help raise awareness that no one should face a mental health problem alone.”
The announcement follows a successful year supporting the Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation, during which Ellisons colleagues raised more than £10,000 through a series of fundraising initiatives. The firm now hopes to build on that success by working alongside Suffolk Mind and Mid and North East Essex Mind to make a lasting difference to mental health across the region.
