Randox chooses two NI mental health charities as official partners

by Gráinne Connolly

Global Healthcare company Randox Laboratories has announced, mental health charities AWARE and Mind Your Mood, as it's official charity partners for the next year. 

AWARE is the main depression charity for Northern Ireland and has 24 support groups in rural and urban areas. 

It also delivers mental health and well-being programmes into communities, schools, colleges, universities and workplaces. 

Mind Your Head is an initiative designed and managed by students at Ulster University to help break down the stigma of mental health and encourage students to access supports. 

Throughout the next year, Randox will be fundraising for the charities through a range of events and initiatives, including individual staff fundraising activities, the company’s annual staff fun day, Randox Fest, and its popular Christmas Raffle.

Randox Founder and Managing Director, Dr Peter FitzGerald, said:

"Mindful of the significant impact of mental health issues on society, we are today announcing AWARE and Mind Your Mood as our charity partners for the year.

"Every one of us has been touched either directly or indirectly by these issues and it’s something we at Randox wish to help to address.

"We have for example invested significantly in research that will determine how problems with the digestive system can affect your mood, sleep and stress levels.

"We hope that our partnerships not only help those affected by mental ill-health across Northern Ireland, but also empower our Randox staff to take care of their own mental well-being.”

In addition to supporting AWARE and Mind Your Mood with fundraising events throughout the year, Randox has also committed to delivering mental health awareness sessions and mindfulness activities to its staff.

Inclusive of the introduction of the Mood Matters Workplace Programme, and the provision of dedicated Mental Health Mentors, Randox hopes to encourage staff to effectively manage their feelings when they’re stressed, worried or depressed, learn simple practical skills to help cope with their own challenges, and support their colleagues with theirs.

Clare Galbraith, Corporate Fundraising Officer for AWARE, commented:

“We’re delighted to have Randox on board as one of our official corporate fundraising partners this year.

"As a key employer in Northern Ireland with tremendous influence, the company has real potential to transform how we look at mental health and wellbeing, particularly in the workplace setting.

"We look forward to seeing the creative fundraising ideas they have planned for the year ahead and thank them for all their support thus far.”

Amanda Castray, Director of Campus Life, Ulster University said,

“Ulster University and Randox enjoy a longstanding partnership built around research, knowledge sharing, collaboration and student opportunity which reflects the leadership of both organisations in diagnostics and health research globally.

"We are very encouraged that one of our valued industry partners is now supporting us with our student-led mental health programme, Mind Your Mood.

"We look forward to working with the team at Randox as we promote positive mental health and wellbeing across our campuses and tackle the social stigmas associated with seeking support.”