• Swindon & Wiltshire Community champions
• Friday May 20 2022
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Packaging business GWP supports community group’s mental health initiative

Cricklade-based packaging manufacturer, GWP, has teamed up with local charity Shine Pinehurst to support a project promoting Mental Health Awareness Week.

Shine Pinehurst wanted to explore what young people in Swindon do to help with their mental and emotional health.

After approaching GWP for assistance, the company donated a range of cardboard boxes to make an installation at Swindon Academy.

The charity used the boxes to create a wall, with students encouraged to write their top tips for helping with their mental health.

The suggestions, including “turn all devices off”, “talk to friends”, and “eat pizza”, were then displayed on the wall.

The installation gained positive feedback from the young people who took part and was in place for the duration of Mental Health Awareness Week.

Amy Cox, youth and community worker for the charity, said: “It is great to have the support from local businesses with projects like this.

“GWP has been very helpful and responsive in supplying the materials we needed for the installation. Raising awareness of how we can look after our mental health is incredibly important and initiatives like this can be vital in engaging young people.”

Ruth Cook, managing director of GWP Group, said: “We place a strong emphasis on our staff members’ mental health and wellbeing, which our status as a mindful employer shows.

“So when Shine approached us to assist with their project, we understood what a great idea it was.”