A BUSINESS has pledged to create a calendar of events to support Dorset Mind after picking the mental health charity as its fundraising partner for next year.

Poole-based software, web and marketing agency b4b asked its staff to vote for the charity they wanted to support – and found mental health was close to many people’s hearts.

Melissa Boyle, b4b’s marketing manager, who is leading the Charity of the Year initiative, said: “Mental health is such an important issue, especially during these uncertain and difficult times.

"I am thrilled that we are supporting a charity that does such worthwhile work tackling the stigma surrounding mental illness, while providing valuable education and support to those who are struggling.”

She writes about mental health in her spare time and shares her own experience of OCD. She said it was inspiring that so many of her colleagues were keen to support Dorset Mind.

b4b will hold monthly fundraising events both internally and with the involvement of clients. Some of these will be designed to promote mindfulness, such as crafting and yoga sessions.

Dee Swinton, income generation and marketing manager at Dorset Mind, said: “As an independent charity, the support of our community is hugely important to us, and for local people’s mental health. b4b’s fundraising will help us continue to support adults and young people across Dorset.

“We’re excited to work with an organisation that actively and visibly supports their employees’ mental health in numerous ways, and we know that our partnership will enhance their offer.”

b4b is also planning a programme of educational content and workshops and has a qualified mental health first aider available to provide support. Other members of staff will be offered the mental health first aid training through Dorset Mind.

Anthony Tilley, managing director of b4b, said: “We’ve always been a company that cares about its people, and working closely with Dorset Mind will give us new and exciting ideas that help to promote staff wellbeing. This partnership also gives us an opportunity to improve awareness of mental health issues within the community, which is something that is important to us as a business.”