The partnership will kick off with the charity’s #HelloYellow campaign for World Mental Health Day on 10 October for which Chartwells is calling on its school, academy, college and university teams to wear yellow to raise awareness and funds.
Richard Taylor, Chartwells chief operating officer, said: “Children and young people are facing more pressure than ever before, whether it’s due to their exams, issues that arise via social media or stress over body image. Schools, academies, colleges and universities play a vital role in helping develop the skills young people need to flourish in today’s world.
“At Chartwells we take our responsibility of catering for today’s children and young adults really seriously. We know it’s not just the food on the plate that’s important, but a real understanding of health, nutrition and wellbeing. That’s why this charity partnership is a perfect fit for us and our teams are passionate about supporting this important cause.”
YoungMinds is a charity partner of Heads Together - the campaign spearheaded by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry to end the stigma around mental health.
It is estimated that 850,000 children in the UK, an average of three in every classroom, suffer from a serious mental illness such as depression or anxiety.
Jade Zelkowicz, fundraising manager from YoungMinds said: “We are so grateful to the Chartwells team for their support in helping raise awareness and funds for YoungMinds.
“Having such dedicated teams across schools, colleges and universities getting behind our #HelloYellow campaign and spreading positive messages will make a huge difference to young people going through a difficult time, and reassure them that they are not alone.”