The specialist bank – a lending and savings bank focused on Property Finance, Business Finance, Consumer Lending and Savings – will raise crucial funds for Mental Health UK for the 2020-21 period.

The partnership comes at a time when Mental Health UK is seeing a greater need for mental health services across the UK due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

To launch the tie-in, Shawbrook has donated £10,000 to the charity, which will be topped up throughout the year through colleague-inspired fundraising events and activities.

Richard Armstrong, group head of marketing and product governance at Shawbrook Bank, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound effect on the mental health and wellbeing of many people all across the UK – some of whom will be experiencing these issues for the first time.

“Mental Health UK was overwhelmingly chosen by our staff, who felt the work they carry out will play a crucial part in helping people affected by mental health problems across the UK.

“At Shawbrook, we take the health and wellbeing of our staff extremely seriously and have launched a regular series of mental health awareness events across the business to not only raise awareness but to support colleagues who may need help with both physical and mental wellbeing.

“Thanks to the work we’ve done already, and the work that we shall continue to do, we believe Mental Health UK is a great fit for the bank, especially in the current climate. We are really pleased to be partnering with Mental Health UK this year and are excited by the many fundraising events we have planned in the months to come.”

Katie Legg, director of strategy and partnerships, Mental Health UK, added: “We are delighted to have been chosen by Shawbrook to be their national charity partner for 2020-21.

“This partnership launches at a really crucial time for us when we are experiencing increased demand for our advice, information and support. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are requiring support more than ever, whether they have a diagnosed mental illness or are experiencing mental health problems for the first time.

“Shawbrook’s generous £10,000 company donation and funds raised from Shawbrook colleagues throughout the year will help us to answer more calls, develop our resources and provide more local support.”

Last year, Shawbrook raised funds for two chosen charities in the form of Mind and the Rainbow Trust. In total, the bank helped raised funds for 43 charities throughout the year – collectively raising more than £36,000.