In an unprecedented display of corporate camaraderie and commitment to mental wellbeing, global controls technology company Proserv, in collaboration with power system monitoring specialist Synaptec, announced their partnership in a grueling physical challenge slated for early June. The initiative aims to shine a spotlight on the importance of mental health, foster greater awareness, and raise substantial funds for two leading UK charities – Mental Health UK and Mind.
The monumental 600-mile cycling event will see a team of 32 cyclists, comprising 28 from Proserv and four from Synaptec, embarking on a journey that begins from Proserv House in Westhill, Aberdeen on June 7th. Over the course of six days, the cyclists will traverse through various terrains, concluding their journey at Proserv’s Centre of Excellence in Great Yarmouth on June 12th, with the ambitious goal of raising £100,000.
Participants, hailing from locations as diverse as Trondheim, Norway, and Abu Dhabi, UAE, represent a cross-section of the companies' workforce, including individuals from engineering, business development, finance, operations, project management, and even seven members of Proserv’s senior management team, including CEO Davis Larssen.
The brainchild behind this monumental endeavor, Bradley Savoldelli, Projects & Engineering Manager at Proserv, shared his inspiration for the event, stating, "The idea just took shape naturally. Proserv has always sought to raise money for local charities and support wider good causes... [Cycling] would be fun yet challenging and most importantly would raise money for vital mental health organizations."
Simon Harvey, Proserv’s Vice President, Quality, Health, Safety, and Environment, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the importance of prioritizing positive mental health within the company culture. "Being able to speak about how we are feeling can potentially make a powerful difference," Harvey affirmed.
The announcement of the cycling challenge coincided with Mind’s Time to Talk Day, underscoring the companies' commitment to fostering open dialogue around mental health.
Among the dedicated cyclists preparing for the challenge is Morris Kelly, Senior Software Engineer at Synaptec, who emphasized the significance of supporting mental health initiatives. "All wellbeing, particularly mental, needs to be protected... Anything we can do to shine a light on this topic, and to raise much-needed funds at the same time, is excellent," Kelly remarked.
Proserv’s CEO, Davis Larssen, expressed his pride in the initiative, emphasizing the importance of solidarity in tackling mental health issues. "Mental health issues can affect anyone... Encouraging people to know they are not alone and that help and assistance are readily available is critical," Larssen affirmed.
As the date of the challenge draws nearer, anticipation mounts among participants and supporters alike, heralding a journey that promises not only physical exertion but also a profound testament to the power of collective action in support of mental wellbeing.
