Southend airport has unveiled South East and Central Essex Mind (SECE Mind) as its official charity partner.
The two-year partnership with the mental health charity is part of the airport’s Connecting Communities Commitment announced last week.
The commitment also encompasses a formal plan for its environmental commitments and a community forum that will engage with local concerns about issues such as noise.
The airport said that SECE Mind was chosen because mental health is high on their agenda as a result of the challenges of the pandemic.
“As an airport that has been badly affected by the pandemic, we know only too well how stressful this past year and a half has been,” said the airport in a statement.
“Our employees therefore chose to partner with Mind, recognising the important role that this charity can play in the community.”
The partnership will create campaigns throughout the year with a calendar of events to encourage the community to connect and get involved.
Glyn Jones, chief executive of the airport, said: “We are proud to join forces to raise awareness of mental health in the workplace and our community.
“Mental health is more important than ever with an increase in cases as a result of the pandemic. We look forward to creating opportunities to raise awareness and support through this partnership.”
Keeley Hood, SECE Mind fundraising officer, added: “As a local Mind delivering local mental health services, we welcome local responsible businesses to collaborate to bring positive change for our community.”