Bakkavor, which has factories in Lincolnshire, announces new partnership with Samaritans to underscore wellbeing commitment

A major prepared food company has announced a partnership with Samaritans to underpin its commitment to wellbeing.

Bakkavor Group, which has a factories in Spalding, Bourne and Holbeach, hopes the new partnership will provide additional meaningful support and practical resources for its employees.

As part of the new charity partnership, announced during mental health awareness week and the company’s annual wellbeing month, Samaritans training and engagement programmes will provide expert-led training for Bakkavor’s 120 wellbeing champions and leaders, to equip them with the skills and knowledge to offer enhanced support to colleagues.

Samaritans’ courses are specially designed to give people the knowledge to identify signs someone might be struggling, confidence to step in and skills to support them.

In addition to the workplace training, the charity will also provide support and resources to strengthen mental health initiatives across the business.

The partnership is part of the Bakkavor’s broader engagement and wellbeing strategy — and it says supporting colleagues’ physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing is a core priority.

Donna-Maria Lee, chief people officer of Bakkavor Group, said: “We recognise that mental health is just as important as physical health, yet it remains a topic that many find difficult to discuss. That’s why we are incredibly proud to be partnering with Samaritans, an organisation that has been a beacon of support for those in emotional distress for over 70 years.

“This collaboration underscores our commitment to fostering a culture where open conversations about mental health are encouraged, and where every colleague feels supported and valued.”

In 2024, the company also delivered mental health awareness training to over 7,000 colleagues and appointed a UK head of occupational health and wellbeing to provide strategic leadership in this critical area.

Gwen Grant, head of corporate partnerships at Samaritans, said: “We’re excited to work with Bakkavor and enhance their wellbeing initiatives for thousands of staff. Mental health in the workplace is an important issue, as we can all benefit from learning how best to manage our own wellbeing and better support our colleagues who may be struggling.

“Partnerships like these ensure Samaritans can continue to be there to listen 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so we thank Bakkavor and look forward to creating change that can help save lives.”