More than £63,000 has been raised for a mental health charity in Dorset by Tesco employees

Dorset colleagues across stores from Portland to Poole have helped raise awareness and tens of thousands of pounds for the mental health charity Mind.

The intrepid Tesco colleagues joined up with others from across the south of England to walk 12 miles of the Jurassic Coast, from Durdle Door to The Ship Inn in Weymouth. 

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The initial target of £25,000 was smashed as colleagues, customers, family and friends donated more than twice that amount to the cause. – totalling more than £63,000.

Ian Thirlwell, area manager at Tesco, said: “I am absolutely thrilled with the support for this campaign and how our colleagues have come together to support such an important cause.

“We all know the importance of providing mental health support and nobody should go without the support that they need. This is an issue that close to my heart and why we were so keen to support the charity Mind.

Tesco employees started their journey from Durdle DoorTesco employees started their journey from Durdle Door (Image: Dorset Mind)

“At Tesco we work hard to ensure colleagues have the support in physical and mental health that they need.

“We’re thrilled this that has been such a smashing success, and we look forward to going further and raising even more again next year.”

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Dorset Mind is a self-funded local charity that helps people across the county experiencing mental health problems access the vital support they need.

It offers one-to-one and group support sessions for both adults and young people.

Their experienced practitioners are there to listen, facilitate peer discussions and to support
people without judgement. 

The group  sessions will introduce people to techniques to improve mental
wellbeing and self-esteem.

READ: Charities receive £30,000 boost from Waterside Holiday Group

The charity was established in November 1946 and was one of the founder local associations for Mental Health.

Founded by psychiatrist Doris Odlum, originally under the name of Bournemouth Association for Mental Health, it started as a society for psychiatrists and others interested in mental health.

Public meetings were held, usually with a slide show, guest speaker or film, at which mental health issues were discussed.