Announcing our partnership with British Hydropower Association
British Hydropower Association and Change Mental Health have joined forces with a new partnership that will prioritise wellbeing in the renewable energy sector, ensuring that everyone has access to mental health awareness training, support in rural areas and a dedicated advice and support line.
Change Mental Health and British Hydropower Association (BHA) announced the partnership at the hydropower specialist’s Annual Conference on 28-29th November 2023 at the Hilton in Glasgow.
The British Hydropower Association (BHA) is the professional trade body representing the interests of the UK hydropower industry and its associated stakeholders in the wider community at regional, national and global levels. BHA promote hydropower, export opportunities, provide guidance and deliver effective lobbying.
During the conference, Jim Hume, Director of Public Affairs and Communications at Change Mental Health, gave a presentation that shed light on the organisation’s services, focusing on rural and workplace mental health. Adding to the occasion’s significance, the conference dinner included a charity auction of eight lots, including artwork created by service users of Change Mental Health’s Employability Support Project in Dumfries. The auction raised an impressive amount of £4300. All proceeds from the auction will go towards providing more transformative, person-centred support by Change Mental Health.
This year’s conference and the organisation’s partnership showcase the commitment to prioritising mental wellbeing in the renewable energy sector. Through the partnership, Change Mental Health will provide mental health training and suitable resources and signposting to BHA’s membership. Our mental health training, informed by individuals with lived experience, equips people with the knowledge and skills to combat stigma and contribute to fostering support and mentally healthy environments.
BHA members will tap into our National Rural Mental Health Forum, a robust network of over 240 organisations driving change to enable rural communities to openly discuss their mental health. Regular seminars featuring guest speakers from within the network address key topics and issues related to mental health and wellbeing in rural Scotland.
Kate Gilmartin, CEO of British Hydropower Association, said:
“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Change Mental Health, a beacon of support in the mental health landscape. At the British Hydropower Association, we recognise the profound impact mental wellbeing has on individuals. By joining forces with Change Mental Health, we are taking a proactive step towards fostering a mentally healthy environment in the hydropower industry and the renewable energy sector as a whole.”
Kate added: “Change Mental Health’s commitment to transformative, person-centred support aligns seamlessly with our values and together we aim to make a positive difference. Through this collaboration, we not only prioritise the mental health of our industry professionals but also contribute to the broader societal change advocated by Change Mental Health.
“We look forward to a meaningful partnership that goes beyond business, placing people and their wellbeing at the forefront of our shared mission.”
Nick Ward, CEO at Change Mental Health, also expressed his gratitude for the past years of cooperation with the British Hydropower Association and the enthusiastic support received through the auction, saying:
“We are delighted to be announced as the official charity partner of the British Hydropower Association last week. This partnership builds on our previous work together over the last several years, and it was fantastic to attend their conference this year to discuss our work with their members.
As a charity, we have a wealth of experience providing mental health support in rural areas, where the majority of the British Hydropower Association’s members reside and work. Research shows that rural areas face unique challenges regarding mental health support, and through our National Rural Mental Health Forum, we have been working to address these inequalities.
“I look forward to working with the British Hydropower Association over the next year, and would like to give a special thanks to their generous members, who helped to raise a fantastic £4,300 for the charity at this year’s Conference auction.”
support
Our National Advice and Support Service can help you and people you care for with mental health concerns and money worries.
We can link and signpost you to relevant local and national support, including our own Change Mental Health services, as well supporting with debt, grants and benefits.
The service is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm (closed for lunch between 12.30pm to 1.30pm). Contact 0808 8010 515, email advice@changemh.org or fill in the form on the service webpage.
For full details about the service, visit the National Advice and Support Service webpage.
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