Societe Generale

We were excited to be chosen by Societe Generale, a top European financial services group, as their Charity of the Year partner from 2015 to 2017. This was our first major partnership in the banking sector, and it made a huge difference for us and the people we support.

Societe Generale's employees voted for us as their charity partner for two years, with a goal to raise £600,000 through fundraising across the UK. The partnership raised an amazing £750,000, which was £150,000 more than the original target.

The money raised supported our 'Advice to Action' campaign, helping people with mental health problems get back on track.

The funds allowed us to answer almost 40,000 calls to our helpline, providing information and advice to help people start managing their mental health better.

The campaign also funded 21 new projects to help people with mental health problems get support, build confidence, and find jobs in their communities. Projects included a kitchen garden at Tameside, Oldham and Glossop Mind, and Plymouth and District Mind's 'Get Into' project, which provided one-on-one support for people whose mental health issues and stigma made it hard for them to get into work, training, or employment.

Paul, 23, a local Plymouth resident, felt 'Get Into' made a significant impact on his life:

"The sessions helped me to look at things in a more positive way. I was given techniques to use to challenge my own negative thinking and this week I applied for a job. I've been out of work for a long time because of my depression, but I feel ready to face the world again."

Societe Generale hit the streets, the mountains and the water to raise funds for Mind.

• Over 100 colleagues, and our former CEO Paul Farmer CBE, pounded the pavements of London on a 26.2 mile overnight walking marathon that raised £94,000.
• 88 colleagues hit the water in a dragon boat racing contest raising almost £30,000.
• 25 colleagues raised £20,000 when they braved the night to reach the summit of Snowden for sunrise.
• 600 participants raised £90,000 at the JP Morgan Challenge over two years.

Not only did Societe Generale raise £750,000 to support Mind's work, their staff provided additional support worth over £50,000 including:

• Workshops for local Mind creative therapies groups at the V&A.
• An Excel training session for people who attend Mind in the City, Hackney and Waltham Forest.
• Advice from Societe Generale communications and marketing teams on local Mind's marketing strategies.
• Mentoring for Mind staff.
• Donations of stock worth over £15,000 to Mind's retail network

Luke attended an Excel training session delivered by Societe Generale:

"I would like to thank Societe Generale for the Microsoft Excel training session to which I was invited to as part of a group from Mind in the City, Hackney and Waltham Forest…James walked us slowly, carefully and patiently through the introduction to Microsoft Excel…I enjoyed myself and now feel much more confident about finding my own way around the programme."

After winning a staff vote, it was clear that mental health mattered to Societe Generale employees. During the partnership, Societe Generale focused on wellbeing, offering activities like yoga and meditation for staff. They also worked with Mind's Workplace Wellbeing team, who gave advice on their Wellbeing Strategy. This led to the creation of a Wellbeing Committee, which will continue long after the partnership ends. With a change in culture, support from executives, and clear goals, workplace wellbeing will stay a top priority for Societe Generale.

Sadia Ricke, Group Country Head for Societe Generale in the UK, said:

"Building stronger communities is a key pillar in our approach to corporate social responsibility, and we are delighted that thousands of people have and will benefit from essential support towards improved mental wellbeing through Mind's Infoline, and other key projects that will emerge following our two-year partnership with the charity. We also hope to have raised awareness and to help lift the stigma associated with mental health, which is especially important when we know one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem in any given year. We are delighted to have exceeded our fundraising target, and congratulate all the Mind networks for the tremendous work they do."