Yorkshire plant nursery launches charity challenge
The challenge is part of Move More Month, an annual celebration to encourage active lifestyles for increased positivity
Commercial plant nursery Johnsons of Whixley has launched a 15 million step challenge as part of Move More Month in April.
The initiative is to raise funds for horticulture mental health charity Perennial, which is dedicated to helping those in the horticulture sector, including those employed by Johnsons of Whixley.
The charity provides free and confidential advice, information and support on a variety of topics including legal and debt advice to health and wellbeing challenges.
English gardener and TV presenter Alan Titchmarsh MBE, VMH, predominantly known for his involvement in the BBC’s Ground Force which aired from 1997 to 2002, is the charity’s president.
Johnsons of Whixley recently became a platinum partner for Perennial and says mental health is of critical importance. Its step challenge is part of Move More Month in April, an annual celebration that encourages individuals to become more active due to the positive impact it has on health and wellbeing.
Eleanor Richardson, marketing and office manager and qualified mental health first aider at Johnsons of Whixley says: “Not only will we be supporting Perennial, which has helped a number of our team members in the past, but we will be getting together as a team and building bonds across departments, getting some exercise and supporting one another towards a shared goal.”
The nursery has successfully delivered mental health training to its entire team, with 34 managers and deputies receiving additional mental health first aid training from MHFA England qualified team members.
The training equips each team member with the necessary information to provide and or seek support in their workplace.
Li Crane, fundraising administrator at Perennial, says: “I would like to thank the whole team at Johnsons of Whixley for undertaking this fantastic Steps Challenge throughout the month of April. It is a great example of how our industry can support Perennial through fundraising initiatives and by finding ways of spreading our message that Perennial is here for all those working in horticulture that need our help.”
Johnsons of Whixley has created a range of resources to support its staff members, with plans to continue its efforts to spread awareness of mental health and provide support throughout 2023 to ensure all Johnsons of Whixley employees have the resources they need to create a positive and supportive working environment.
