The Mind Map and Baltic Creative CIC partner to provide mental health support to Baltic businesses

THE Mind Map is the latest tenant to sign up to space with Baltic Creative Community Interest Company (CIC), bringing with it a range of benefits to existing occupiers as part of a collaborative deal.  As part of the letting arrangement, Baltic Creative staff and tenants will be able to access subsidised counselling, specialised events and mental health 1st aid training, thanks to the brand new partnership with the mental health organisation.  The Mind Map helps people to navigate to better mental health through counselling, training, awareness raising and signposting. Despite the size of the organisation, it trains some of the biggest companies in the world in mental health 1st aid, including Netflix and eBay.

Phil Bridges, founder of The Mind Map's founder, said:- "The Pandemic has put a huge strain on small businesses, so it's great to be partnering with Baltic Creative to offer counselling and training to its staff and tenants. In 2020's 'Money and Mental Health' report, 82% of respondents said their COVID induced financial situations had worsened their mental health problems, making access to support from organisations like The Mind Map, more important than ever."

Fiona Armstrong Gibbs, chair of the board at Baltic Creative, said:- "It has been such a tough time over the past 16 months, and we know that many in our community have faced challenges and changes that have affected their mental health along the way. As a socially conscious organisation, the wellbeing of our occupiers is always high on our agenda. We have been actively supporting where we can, and this new partnership will ensure that even more of our community will be able to take steps to manage their own mental health and support those around them."

In addition to this new partnership with The Mind Map, Baltic Creative has also recently introduced a four-part wellbeing series with local social enterprise:- 'Transform Lives Company.' to help support tenants that are returning to work. The organisation also provided free access to Pilates throughout the Pandemic.

Alison James, Marketing and Events Officer, at Baltic Creative CIC added:- "It's fantastic to be working with The Mind Map on this project. Following its work with the NHS, The Florrie and organisations such as Netflix and eBay, The Mind Map is a respected provider of workplace wellbeing services. Being based at Baltic Creative, it felt natural to engage them to help the mental wellbeing of our own staff."

A series of events focusing on mental health, creativity and culture are soon to be announced, including a wellbeing themed music and photography event in autumn 2021. In addition, Baltic Creative will be this season's sponsor of The Mind Map's community football team, The Mind Map FC.

Phil Bridges said:- "The Mind Map FC is a vehicle to improve mental health through exercise and connection, while providing all our players with access to counselling as well as a strong support network."

Wet Wet Wet singer takes on London and Manchester marathons to support NSPCC and calls on runners in the North West to join him

SINGER songwriter Kevin Simm is calling on runners in the North West of England to pull on their trainers and join him in raising money for the NSPCC at this year's London Marathon. Kevin, formerly of Liberty X and The Voice who now performs with Wet Wet Wet, set himself the marathon challenge in October to support the children's charity for his latest fundraising effort, after releasing a cover version of East 17's Stay Another Day which hit the download charts in December 2020. Kevin said:- "I know a lot of fundraising events have had to be cancelled or take place virtually, and now more than ever the NSPCC needs everyone's help to ensure it can still be here for children to offer support and help when they need it most. I've enjoyed all the gigs and the Christmas single was great, but I'm really pleased to be able to get my running shoes back for the London Marathon and I hope there'll be plenty more people out there who fancy taking part to help raise much needed funds for the NSPCC."

As well as performing live streamed gigs from his living room to fans across the country in support of the NSPCC, Kevin will also support the NSPCC by taking part in the Manchester Marathon just 1 week after the London event. Kevin said:- "All the money I'm raising will go towards supporting all the brilliant counsellors and practitioners at Childline and the NSPCC. It's been amazing to see how the NSPCC has adapted to ensure it can still offer its services including Childline and the helpline throughout this difficult time."

The London Marathon was due to be held on 26 April 2021, but rescheduled to later in the year following Pandemic precautions. The change in date means the children's charity has a number of places available to runners who want to take part and raise money for the NSPCC while taking on the challenge. Rachel Walker, NSPCC volunteer engagement officer, said:- "It's wonderful of Kevin to continue his amazing fundraising for the NSPCC by taking part in the London and Manchester Marathons, and it would be great to have a few more runners alongside him in our colours too. Whether you run, jog or walk your way around the route, every pound raised will support children and young people across the UK. Of course, a marathon is just oneway to support the NSPCC, and there are many more events taking place across the country which you can enter to help us make 2021 a better year for young people; why not go to the NSPCC website to find out more?"

To sponsor Kevin on his London Marathon challenge, go to:- JustGiving.Com  or to find out how you can take part in the marathon to support the NSPCC, go to:- NSPCC.Org.UK or search:- "NSPCC London Marathon."