On 16 January, Mental Health UK, which brings together MindWise with partner charities in England, Scotland and Wales, launched a new
two year partnership with Lloyds Banking Group following their colleague vote. Together, we aim to promote awareness of the link between
mental health and money problems, encourage discussion between the Group’s customers and colleagues, and raise at least £2million per
year. Lloyds Banking Group colleagues will raise funds to enable us to create a pioneering UK-wide Mental Health and Money Advice Service
to offer support for people experiencing mental health and money difficulties.
Thanks to their phenomenal engagement and enthusiasm, colleagues have already raised the first £1million towards their target. Across the
UK, they have organised dressdown days, cake sales, charity balls and concerts, and taking on physical challenges to climb, run and cycle
to raise funds. The partnership involves awareness-raising too: 379 colleagues grouped together to break the Guinness World Record for the
largest human image of a mouth, representing how important it is to talk about mental health.
During Mental Health Awareness Week (8-14 May) colleagues volunteered at over 40 services around the UK, helping with activities such
gardening and redecorating. Hayley Aguilar Hernandez, Assistant Manager for Lloyds Banking Group Coventry said, “Volunteering at
Thistley Lodge in Leamington Spa was an eye-opening and rewarding experience. It was fantastic to have the opportunity to show support
for our charity partner Mental Health UK and use our skills to make a difference in local communities.”
In September, this will go to another level when Lloyds Banking Group colleagues test their physical and mental stamina with the Fourtitude
Challenge. A mindboggling puzzle will test mental agility on day 1. On day 2 teams in each of the four UK nations will ascend their highest
mountain, and on day 3 everyone comes together in the Peak District for a gruelling 100 mile cycle. The challenge culminates with a half
marathon on day 4, along Birmingham’s towpaths.
We’re so grateful to colleagues at Lloyds Banking Group and cannot wait to see what innovative and inspiring ideas come next!
