BIRSTALL, United Kingdom, May 24, 2021 – PPG (NYSE:PPG) today announced that its Architectural Coatings business in the UK and Ireland has formed a long-term partnership with charity Mind to support their work to help those struggling with their mental health, especially during the coronavirus pandemic. Money raised will support Mind in England and Wales, as well as partner charities Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH) in Scotland and Inspire in Ireland.
Amid the growing awareness of the mental health crisis, the company’s UK and Ireland Architectural Coatings employees voted to make Mind their new charity partner for the next three years. The employees will raise money for Mind to help fund the mental health services that are increasingly in demand. As part of the partnership, Mind will also provide support for PPG employees who are experiencing mental health issues.
Over the past year, the coronavirus pandemic has brought the issue of mental health into sharper focus. Mind’s coronavirus survey in 2020 found that more than half of adults and two-thirds of young people said their mental health had worsened since the pandemic’s outbreak. The survey also found that more than one in five adults with no previous experience of poor mental health now say their mental health is poor or very poor.
“With many of us feeling more isolated than ever before, PPG is incredibly proud to support the important work of Mind,” said Matthew Baines, PPG business unit director, trade, Architectural Coatings, UK and Ireland. “Having just concluded a successful partnership with Prostate Cancer UK, we are looking forward to now dedicating our efforts to another great cause and hope to replicate our success.”
“What makes the partnership even more valuable is the support for PPG employees that Mind will provide. For too long, mental health has been a taboo subject in the workplace. We hope that working with Mind can encourage a new spirit of openness, where colleagues can find support when they are struggling, especially after such a difficult year.”
The partnership with Mind marks the next step in PPG’s UK and Ireland mental health programme and commitment to facilitating a supportive environment for employees. The company has upskilled employees as mental health first aiders, is rolling out new training on how to manage mental health issues and is developing initiatives to tackle mental health stigma.
Mind provides advice and support to anyone who needs it through its helpline and online resources. Mind also lobbies the Government to improve mental health services and speaks out in the media to raise awareness of the issue.
Emma Ihsan, Head of Corporate Partnerships at Mind, said: “We are delighted to be PPG’s charity partner. The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the nation’s mental health, especially for those of us with existing mental health problems, has been devastating, and the effects will be long lasting. As the impact of the pandemic on our mental health continues to be felt and the demand for our services grows, thanks to PPG’s support we are able to be there for more people who need us.”
Based in Birstall, UK, PPG’s architectural coatings business houses Europe’s largest manufacturing facility for decorative coatings. The business produces well-known trade and consumer paint brands, such as JOHNSTONE’S® brand by PPG.
The UK and Ireland Architectural Coatings team has successfully raised more than £100,000 for two previous charity partners through a host of fundraising challenges, including 12-hour swims, skydives and large corporate events. This forms just part of a large-scale international community engagement programme at PPG, with charity partners across more than 60 regions in Europe, Middle East and Africa and a flagship charity partner matching scheme.
For more information about PPG’s architectural coatings business, call 01924 354000.