Bensons for Beds has helped raise more than £370,000 to support Mind, the leading mental health charity in England and Wales, at a time when its work is needed more than ever.
The nationwide bed retailer has donated £160,820 through donations generated by sales and by gifting national TV airtime. Bensons donated £10 for every purchase during the Easter and May bank holidays, and is donating £10 for every Rollo by Slumberland mattress sold following the launch of the new collection in the autumn.
The TV airtime was used by Mind to support its Emergency Appeal. This generated 4000 donations from the public, raising an additional £210,000.
Money raised for the Emergency Appeal helped Mind to ensure its services remained available during a time of increased demand created by the pandemic. The TV airtime also helped raise awareness about Mind’s work, including its coronavirus information hub, which has received more than 1.7 million views, and its Infoline and Legal Line which answer more than 100,000 calls, texts and emails every year.
Joe Wykes, Bensons for Beds' COO, says: “There are so many synergies between mental health and sleep which makes Mind a natural charity partner for us. All our colleagues and customers are delighted that we’ve been able to step in and provide support to Mind during these uncertain times. What is particularly satisfying is that it’s not just financial support, but helping to raise awareness about the amazing work they do.”
Paul Farmer, chief executive of Mind, comments: “This Christmas we’re living in a mental health emergency. It’s been a year of anxiety and uncertainty, and we don’t want anyone to face this alone. We want to thank Bensons for Beds for the money they have raised, and TV airtime they’ve given us. Through this we’ve not only raised awareness of mental health, but we’re also supporting the one in four people who experience a mental health problem each year.”
As well as supporting Mind’s national work, Bensons’ support helps the charity’s network of 115 local Minds in England and Wales to work in their local communities.
One of the new projects benefiting from the fundraising is Mind’s Our Frontline service to support key workers in the NHS, social care, emergency services, essential services and education.
Puctured: Staff at Bensons' Wednesbury store celebrate the achievement
