Helping 120,000 people

A CHARITY that supports the pub trade has given out more than £3.3 million in grants and services, helping more than 120,000 people.

And The Licensed Trade Charity, established in 1793, helped more than 46,000 people with more than 1.7m in grants and services last year.

Among the support, in November last year, it launched a special support app, that allows people to get help with just a swipe.

The charity, which runs the LVS Ascot school, said that its mental health helpline reported a 40% increase on the previous year in calls for emotional support and counselling.

Paula Smith, head of marketing for the Charity, said: “Through our helpline we offer practical guidance from information specialists and emotional support from qualified counsellors and in the past practical guidance made up around 60% of the support requests we received.

“We have seen that switch with almost 70% of calls during 2021 for emotional support and counselling.”

The biggest factors negatively impacting the mental wellbeing of those in the trade have been reduced income, increased pressure due to staff shortages and uncertainty about job security.

Sadly, more than one in three (33%) on-trade respondents have (or know a colleague who has) experienced a mental health issue.

And Licensed Trade Charity, CEO, Jim Brewster, added: “I am proud of the range of services we offer the licensed trade and the fact that it is all delivered without cost to operators or individuals.

“Our team delivers a fantastic, professional service.

“They understand what our industry needs and adapt our range of support to meet those needs”.