The Benevolent’s chairman, Tom Yusef, launched the new campaign, which aims to encourage members of the trade to speak freely about mental health issues within the workplace, in front of 155 senior members and key decision makers of the trade.

“Upon appointment as chairman of the Board of Trustees, I have committed to do my utmost in the interest of those whose benefit we strive to serve,” said Yusef.

During his speech, Yusef also announced the launch of a survey addressed to the UK drinks industry members, aimed at outlining current mental health difficulties experienced by members of the UK drinks industry.

Yusef and The Benevolent team are urging members of the trade to engage and answer the questionnaire, and to forward the link of the survey to their colleagues, employees and friends within the Trade.

The speech was followed by the presentation of a cheque by the master of The Vintners’ Company Nick Arkell for the sum of £12,000.

Chris Porter, chief executive of The Benevolent, said: “I cannot imagine what it must be like to be living with depression, severe stress and anxiety and having nowhere to go or no one to talk to.

“Mental health issues are not restricted to class, race, gender, sexual or religious orientation – it can affect anyone at anytime in their lives and our trade is no exception.”