Booths’ Impact on Mental Health and a Personal Journey

Author – Ang Martin, Business Development Project Manager, Booths

Ang Martin, Business Development Project Manager at Booths, shares why Booths’ commitment to mental health is personal and impactful. Booths actively supports the Virtual Wellbeing Coaching program for children and young people, making a real difference in communities. As a Mental Health First Aider, Ang and her colleagues provide a safe and friendly ear or guide others to appropriate services when needed.

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16 Years in a company committed to improving mental health

I am Ang Martin and I have worked at Booths for 16 years in a variety of roles, most currently working as a Project Manager.  Recently I’ve been asked to manage the relationship between Booths and Lancashire Mind.  Booths have been working with Lancashire Mind for the past 18 months and we are supporting the Virtual Wellbeing Coaching for children and young people over three years.

Who are Booths?

Our founder Edwin Henry Booth had one simple aim, to sell the best food and drink available, in attractive stores, staffed with first class assistants. Since 1847, we have been at the heart of the Northern counties we call home: Lancashire, Cheshire, Cumbria and Yorkshire – Booths Country.

Being part of the community is really important to us and we are always looking for ways to get involved in the things that matter to the people in our communities.

Why are we supporting Lancashire Mind?

Hearing about the struggles that young people in our communities are facing with mental health issues, particularly after Covid, is concerning and we are really keen to get involved and make a difference.

I lost my father to suicide over 25 years ago when I was a teenager and there was very little mental health support available to anyone struggling with mental health issues. It is a subject very close to my heart so I was thrilled that Booths were able to make a real difference to young people by funding the Virtual Wellbeing Coaching for children and young people.

Hearing about the change in mindset once the young people have been through the coaching process is really heartening and it is great to be able to share with the team at Booths what a difference we are making in our communities through this funding.

How do we at Booths support each other?

Booths now have Mental Health First Aider’s available across all areas of the business.  I am one of those first aiders and we are available for all colleagues for any subject.  We can offer a safe and friendly ear if someone just needs to chat or we can signpost to appropriate services so that the person can get the best possible support when needed.

The whole team at Booths are really proud to support Lancashire Mind,
Ang Martin
Business Development Project Manager