A new partnership with automotive industry mental health and wellbeing social enterprise [M]enable has been announced by the Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA).
The move is designed to promote the subject of mental health across the VRA’s member organisations, said chair Philip Nothard, by creating awareness and enabling easier access to its services.
He explained: “This is a subject that has been moving up the automotive agenda for some time and we have done recent work in this area, such as holding a mental health webinar during the pandemic. Following the formation of a number of VRA advisory positions with relevant organisations over the last year, now seems like the right time to forge an official relationship with a recognised expert in mental health.
“Our view is very much that this is a subject that should be taken seriously across the whole of the motor industry and is frequently not given the attention it merits. The VRA had a close relationship with James Davis and many people here were very much affected by his death in 2021, so this has definite resonance for us.”
Steve Whitton, founder of [M]enable, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to form this partnership with the VRA, which will provide us with a platform within remarketing for our activities alongside our relationships with dealer groups and leasing companies.
“Our purpose is to work with organisations within the automotive industry to drive and change cultures so that mental health discussions are embraced and encouraged. This helps organisations to improve their performance and grow, something that we are sure VRA members recognise.
“We’re here to help anyone who feels that they need mental health support across the sector and we very much plan to make a positive contribution to the VRA.”
The VRA is planning to include [M]enable in its regular member meetings as well as adding content to its website and issuing regular mental health bulletins to members.
More details about [M]enable can be found at www.menable.org.