Storage King, which operates 29 self-storage properties in the United Kingdom, is giving financial support to YoungMinds, a U.K. organization that provides mental-health awareness and services to children and teens. A portion of all new Storage King unit rentals will be allocated to assist the charity in its endeavors, according to a press release.
“We are incredibly excited to be Storage King’s charity partner who, through their fundraising and awareness-raising, will help to show young people that they’re not alone with their mental health,” said Vanessa Longley, director of development for YoungMinds. “The pandemic has had a devastating impact on children and young people’s mental health, and we are grateful that the money Storage King raises will significantly help us to be there for young people at this truly crucial time.”
In addition to helping kids and teens, YoungMinds assists their parents, teachers and other adults with whom they interact. The group offers online resources and training courses, and authors reports and surveys. It recently published a study in which 67% of young respondents said they believe the pandemic will have a long-term negative affect on their mental health. An estimated five children in every U.K. classroom grapple with a mental-health issue, the release stated.
“When we were placed under the first lockdown, it put significant mental strain on everyone throughout the U.K., regardless of age or social status,” said Storage King CEO Robin Greenwood. “As a business, we knew that we had to focus on driving awareness of mental well-being and support organizations [that] are on the front line each and every day, helping those in need during what can only be described as an incredibly difficult and uncertain time. We are greatly appreciative of our partnership with YoungMinds and look forward to making a positive change alongside them.”
The Storage King portfolio includes owned facilities as well as properties under licensing and management agreements. It was acquired in 2017 by Stor-Age Property REIT, which operates the Stor-Age Self Storage brand in South Africa.
