Jacksons Law Firm staff have chosen the mental health charity Mind as the firm’s charity partner of the year.
Staff at a Teesside law firm have chosen a charity close to their hearts and minds to be their charity partner of the year.
Alex Smith, marketing executive at Jacksons Law Firm, said he was “delighted” when his colleagues voted for Teesside Mind to benefit from the firm’s fundraising efforts this year, as it is a charity very close to his heart for deep personal reasons.
Jacksons Law Firm, which is based on Preston Farm Industrial Estate, holds several fundraising events throughout the year, with all staff having the opportunity to vote for the charity they wish to benefit.
Speaking of why he was so pleased to see Teesside Mind benefit in 2024, Alex said he was “overjoyed” to hear that the Jacksons Team on Teesside had voted for them.
“I was delighted when the results of this year’s vote came back, to know that we would be actively raising money for Mind,” he said.
“I was overjoyed, as this charity is one that’s very close to my heart and the hearts of many others in the team.
Alex experienced the toughest of times imaginable at the age of 15, when his Dad took his own life.
Describing the “profound impact” this had on his life and his “own mental wellbeing” Alex adds: “Without the support of certain individuals, I’m unsure what position I would be in today.”
Speaking candidly about the support he received from Mind and others in his time of grief, Alex added: “Their support, alongside other help that I received, enabled me to overcome the problems that I faced.”
Jacksons Law Firm’s Newcastle office staff have also voted to support Mind on Tyneside this year.
Alex said: “We are committed to ensuring that people on Teesside, Tyneside and in Northumberland, get the sufficient help and support they need when facing their own mental struggles.
“Knowing that we can help to make a positive change in the support the charity provides now and in the future is an amazing feeling for myself and the entire team.”
Claire Pitt, fundraising manager for Teesside Mind explained that last year, the charity supported almost 20,000 local people with their mental health.
She added post covid, demand for its services continues to grow.
“Unfortunately, commissioned funding hasn’t grown to match that demand, so there is an increasing gap between demand and available funding,” she explained.
“We are so proud and grateful to have been chosen to be Jacksons Law Firm’s charity partner of the year and the commitment Jacksons has shown to supporting our mission, which is to ensure people on Teesside have the knowledge and resources to enjoy good mental health and wellbeing.
“We are looking forward to collaborating with Jacksons, who will help us to raise awareness as well as vital funds, so that we can ensure nobody on Teesside has to face a mental health problem alone.”
Claire added the staff’s efforts will not only have an impact now, but also help to create a legacy for better mental health in the future.
“Everything that Jacksons raises for us as a charity will remain here on Teesside,” Claire said.
“We know that Jacksons is also supporting our friends in Newcastle, but everything raised on Teesside will remain here.
“One in four of us will experience a mental health problem each year and every one of us is directly or indirectly touched by this.
“By supporting us, Jacksons have demonstrated a commitment to better mental health, not only for their colleagues but for everyone on Teesside.”
Toby Joel, a partner at Jacksons Law Firm and head of litigation, said: “It’s important to us that staff take an independent vote on which charity we should support each year and we are delighted to be working with Teesside Mind.
“We have a robust employee wellbeing strategy in place, which encourages staff at all levels to seek support for their mental health needs, as well as addressing physical health issues.
“The fact the staff have chosen Mind as their charity of the year shows the importance they place on being able to access mental health support and our need to raise awareness around this important issue. We are proud staff have voted to help a local charity to provide such support for everyone in the local community.”
Caroline Harrison, HR advisor at Jacksons Law Firm, added: “Jacksons Law is delighted to be supporting and collaborating with Mind as our chosen charity of the year!
“This charity was independently nominated by our staff, which demonstrates the value and importance of mental health awareness across our firm.
“Our established relationship with this charity enhances our employee wellbeing strategy and ongoing commitment to supporting the mental health of our employees.”
She added: “We are committed and excited to continue our work with Teesside Mind into the future.”
For more information about the work of Teesside Mind or to access mental health support, visit www.teessidemind.org.uk
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