At Nestlé, we’re dedicated to supporting the vibrant local communities we operate in. Communities can provide us with a sense of belonging, safety, support in tough times, and a greater purpose. It’s essential for us to listen to these communities and lend our support where it’s most needed, however we can.
This is why, for the past three years, we have proudly collaborated with Andy’s Man Club, a national men’s suicide prevention charity, dedicated to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. Together, we’re committed to fostering an environment where all our employees feel empowered to engage in open conversations about mental health.
As we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Week, let’s highlight the importance of community on our mental wellbeing.
Recently, four of our employees, Stewart Husband, Pete Redfearn, James Walker and Paul Daniel, initiated a trial that exemplifies our commitment to community support. Together, they’ve started monthly donations of our products to Andy’s Man Club sessions for refreshments and snacks.
We had a conversation with Stewart, one of the driving forces behind the initiative, to talk about the positive impact that can be made at Andy’s Man Club.
Why do you believe supporting Andy’s Man Club is important for men’s mental health?
“For me personally, I’m a bloke of a certain age with two kids and a stressful life, so I understand that men need support. It’s something special that Andy's Man Club are offering. There’s a stigma around mental health, and for men, it’s often phrases like ‘you’re a man, get on with it.’ What Andy’s Man Club does is brilliant.”
Andy’s Man Club operates free peer-to-peer support groups across the UK and online, creating a safe space for men to open up about the storms affecting their lives in a judgement-free and non-clinical environment. With more than 170 groups and 5,800 weekly attendees, they have one aim, ‘to help one guy, to save one life.’
Their clubs are designed to be free of pressure, there is no obligation for men to speak, they can simply listen if they wish. Their mantra, ‘It’s Okay to Talk’, resonates deeply with our values at Nestlé, where we strive to foster an environment that encourages open conversations about mental health.
How has the collaboration with the team at Andy’s Man Club been so far?
“It was an eye-opener. They’re a small charity and since setting it up, it’s just snowballed. They have little experience operationally and logistically. They’re doing their very best reaching out across the country, asking their local session facilitators to personally store refreshments and snacks, and then take it up to the village hall at the next Andy’s Man Club session. It’s escalated quickly, which is fantastic for those receiving the help and support they need. But it’s just this small team of eight to ten people doing what they can.”
We’ve proudly partnered with Andy’s Man Club on various impactful events from charity hikes up Scafell Pike to participation in the Great North Run, our colleagues have embraced the spirit of community, raised awareness and strengthened our bonds to one another.
Is this Nestlé’s first donation process like this?
“So, we visited site to see their operation. I took my high-vis and my boots because I assumed they had a warehouse operation going on. So, when the guy said, “I’ll show you my operation”, I start putting on my high-vis, and he’s like ‘no, no, we’re literally just going to that office over there."
“We have a strong partnership with Community Shop, Company Shop and FareShare. But in this way, going to the site, offering logistical support, working out the distribution process for them. This is the first time we’ve done this. And I know I don’t look like it, but I’ve been here for twenty-years!”
We’re grateful to have received sessions with Andy’s Man Club at our UK sites, and many employees actively attend and receive support at local groups. Notably, one of our team members in Dalston has set up a new Andy’s Man Club in Carlisle, following a workplace talk, and become a Lead Facilitator for their local community.
What motivated you and the team to initiate this donation programme?
“We do lots of fundraising with Andy’s Man Club, including an annual football tournament that raises a good amount of money. Andy’s Man Club operates solely off donations, and we wanted to see how we could support them a little more.”
“I own all our donation process for all of our finished goods which we have in our distribution centres. At the moment, we send that to FareShare and Company Shop. So, what we’re doing now is setting up a monthly donation to Andy’s Man Club, which includes KitKats, Nescafé jars and Big Biscuit Boxes.
“This was our first ever donation. So, we’re still finding out feet to figure out exactly what’s needed. But it’s great to begin supporting the club’s operations.”
In what ways do you think this contribution will affect Andy’s Man Club?
“With about 260 sites across the country and approximately 20,000 visits a month, that could be one man going once or one man going five or six times, but essentially, it’s about 20,000 cups of coffee being made! Simply, we’re helping to provide and distribute our products as refreshments and snacks at these support meetings”
The logistics of the donation process have been carefully considered, with plans to utilise Yodel for deliveries, significantly reducing costs for the charity.
“We’re not going to solve everything for them, but we can certainly make a start and hope to save them money in their logistics operations.”
As we look to the future, how do you hope this donation with the attendees of Andy’s Man Clubs?
“We’re getting Andy’s Man Club to visit our sites across the country to give talks. Just for guys to know it’s okay not to be okay. It’s okay for you to speak to someone. If you’re upset about something, it’s okay. Andy’s Man Club is there if they need someone. They’ll be visiting our distribution centres in York, EMG and Hams Hall soon to spread the message to our colleagues there, which I really appreciate.”
At Nestlé, we are proud that our sites embody a sense of community. Together, we can make a difference and remind one another that it’s okay not to be okay, as is the mission of Andy’s Man Club. This Mental Health Awareness Week let’s keep the conversation going, because we are better together.