A FLINTSHIRE-based business has raised thousand for a charity supporting people's mental health.

The P&A Group has raised £17,500 in support of North East Wales Mind, the company's chosen charity for 2024, far exceeding its target of £10,000.

September proved to be a busy month for fundraising, with lots of initiatives taking place, including a 150ft Liverpool Cathedral abseiling event, when 12 employees faced their fears, as well as one employee taking part in Iron Man Wales. The Woodworks Garden Centre also held a hugely successful Charity Quiz Night, which raised £2,500. Other activities this year have included the Chester 10k and the Manchester Marathon, as well as cake bakes, raffles and a 24-hour walk.

Read more: Join Llangollen 35-mile walking event in 2025 for Cancer Research UK

A wide range of employees from different divisions of the company, based in Mold and Saltney, including P&A Pallets, Woodworks Garden Centre and Café and Zest Outdoor Living, have participated in the challenges and events, with some individuals topping £1,000 in funds raised so far for 2024.

Read more: Charity delivering Christmas to disadvantaged children in North Wales

P&A Group's managing director, Andrew Baker said: "In a world where the importance of mental wellbeing cannot be overstated, we believe it's crucial to come together and shine a spotlight on the significance of supporting one another's mental health journeys. It's important to do more to remove the stigma and silence that surrounds mental wellbeing and make it easy to talk about our mental health so supporting the work that North East Wales Mind is very worthwhile.

"We have now raised over £175,000 in our 14 years of fundraising - and we still have a few 2024 events to go! With next year marking the Group's 40th anniversary, it would be great to hit £200,000 in 2025 - a milestone year."

North East Wales Mind helps people in Flintshire and Wrexham recover from mental health problems and stay emotionally healthy. In addition to phone counselling and emotional support, the charity offers a range of online services and activities. Their phone lines are open 10am-4pm each weekday. To donate to North East Wales Mind fundraising, visit: tinyurl.com/cth6pk36