LICENSED trade benevolent charity The Ben has launched a new campaign focused on mental health, which is open to those working in the off trade as well as colleagues in Scotland’s pubs and bars.
The Ben’s #NotAlone campaign offers retail staff access to a free helpline operated by professional counsellors, and the charity has also been taking to the road to promote its mental health services.
Falkirk venue Behind hosted the first #NotAlone roadshow last month, with a second scheduled for Brewdog Castlegate in Aberdeen on 13 November.
Roadshow events in other Scottish cities are expected to follow in 2019, with counsellors in attendance to offer advice on recognising signs that staff or colleagues might be struggling with mental health issues.
Chris Gardner, chief executive of The Ben, said it is important that mental health is regarded in the same way as physical illness, with help available to those who need it.
“You can have your blinkers on. Sometimes you don’t want to see it. Or you deny seeing it. You tell yourself everything’s OK. And it’s not OK.
“The people on the helpline are trained counsellors. They really can help someone if they have the courage to phone the number.
“That’s the first step, and sometimes the first step it the most difficult one to take,” she said.
• The Ben’s mental health helpline is open 8am-8pm, seven days on 0800 915 4610.
