The past year has been challenging, to say the least, for many of us. The pandemic changed not only our day-to-day lives but also how we connect with loved ones and the community more broadly.
Amidst all the change and uncertainty, there are some incredible people and organisations who are helping make sure everyone in the community has access to mental health support when they need it. Burke Britton Financial Partners (BBFP) and the Future Generation Group are examples of this.
BBFP are a Victorian financial planning business based in Geelong and Shepperton, who recently due to their engagement with the Future Generation Group, become a Major Donor for Beyond Blue. Their generous donation will allow us to provide mental health support to people experiencing anxiety and depression, and at increased risk of suicide, across Australia.
With clients from all different age groups, BBFP have seen the hidden impact poor mental health and emotional wellbeing can have on quality of life, preventing and stalling people from achieving their life plans. Peter Burke, Founder and Principal Director of BBFP, has himself too often seen the accumulation of financial well-being having little or no value because of poor health.
“All of us at some point in our lives have, or will experience, either personally, or through someone close to us, the sadness and impact of mental health problems.”
“The pain and uncertainty of not being able to easily diagnose and treat mental health concerns is something only personal experience can allow an understanding of.
“Now, thankfully mental health is being more readily recognised and discussed,”
Recognising that it is not easy at times to access treatment and support for mental health concerns, BBFP felt a sense of duty to raise awareness of, and promote an open discussion on, mental health and emotional well-being.
“It is incumbent on us all to accept some level of responsibility in recognising, raising awareness and reducing the serious impacts of mental health problems on individuals’ well-being” said Peter.
“We asked our clients for suggestions of which charities we should support this year. Beyond Blue received a number of nominations.”
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on our lives, including a negative affect it has had on the emotional well-being of too many of us. This is why we felt it was very important to support mental health this year.”
“Beyond Blue has been significant in raising community awareness of, and education about, various forms of mental health concerns, as well as promoting open discussion and providing guidance on available support and services.”
“We are of the view that if all of us make a tangible gesture of support, then together through our collective resources, we can create significant positive change for the better.”
Through their donation, BBFP and the Future Generation Group will have a lasting impact on mental health in the community. Their donation of over $13,000 will allow us to provide immediate counselling, support, advice and referrals to more than 260 people through our Beyond Blue Support Service. This is an incredible and lasting impact to have.
The Beyond Blue Support Service is funded and delivered entirely through community and philanthropic donations. Donations, such as this from BBFP and the Future Generation Group, helps us make sure those experiencing anxiety, depression and at increased risk of suicide are able to get the support they need.