This year Perennial is launching a range of new services that aim to help prevent people getting into deeper difficulty. These include a mental health and well-being support service that is available now to anyone working in the turfcare sector who may be struggling to cope.  

Perennial is the only organisation that anyone working in this industry can turn to whatever their problem. The charity aims to build better futures for individuals and families, but how it helps is not always widely understood. Some people think the help is not for them, but in fact if you work with grass or in fact in any part of the wider horticulture sector, you are eligible for support from the start of your career, all the way through to retirement.  

As well as its range of vital frontline support services, Perennial has launched a partnership with Big White Wall to provide mental health and well-being support. Given that one in four people experience mental health problems at some point, this will be a place to turn with professional support on hand 365 days a year.  

Big White Wall provides online support in a safe and supportive environment. Through a completely anonymous and confidential online community, members and professionals offer advice and support 24 hours a day. A variety of content, tests and tools can help you understand how you’re feeling and offer techniques to help you get on the road to recovery. There is also a range of online self-guided courses on a range of topics. 

This partnership comes at a time when demand for Perennial’s help is at an all-time high. Today’s challenging and uncertain times are affecting people physically, mentally and financially, especially as statutory welfare support bodies are being phased out and funding is being reduced. Last year there was an increase of 10% in the number of people contacting the charity for help and the team helped them access £3.2m in financial support.   

If you or someone you know needs help, please visit: perennial.org.uk/bigwhitewall/ or call 0800 093 8542.