• OPTIMAL-I LTD organises some of Europe’s leading events in mental, behavioural and emotional health
• The £72k CBILS facility will help business provide new online support and manage cashflow during outbreak
Weston-Super-Mare business, OPTIMAL-I Ltd, has secured a loan of £72k from Santander UK through the Coronavirus Business Interruption Loan Scheme (CBILS) to adapt how it delivers mental, behavioural and emotional support services during the coronavirus pandemic.
The business was created in 2016 and is responsible for organising some of Europe’s preeminent events in mental, behavioural and emotional health. The funding announcement comes in the same week as Mental Health Awareness Week – the UK’s annual campaign to recognise mental health problems and inspire action to promote the message of good mental health for all.
As a direct result of the coronavirus outbreak, all events arranged by OPTIMAL-I Ltd in the UK and Europe were cancelled, including the business’s flagship event in London – iCAAD – which was due to take place on 4 – 6 May.
The £72k CBILS facility means the business can bridge the loss of the events and focus on creating vital online content to helping those affected with mental health issues now.
Earlier this week, in an open letter to the Prime Minister, charities, doctors and educationalists warned of the long-term consequences for young people's mental during the coronavirus outbreak.
Samantha Quinlan, Director, OPTIMAL-I Ltd, said: “Those of us working in Behavioural Mental and Emotional Health understand that in moments of crises, such as COVID-19, we must work together. Thanks to Santander, we can urgently focus on becoming accessible online.
“Mental Health and Addiction Professionals that support individuals, families and communities will be next on the front line. This partnership with Santander means we can support those professionals with our educational conferences hosted by iCAAD.COM. Together we can prepare for what is to come, equipping our mental health workers with the skills and resources needed to mend minds.”
Paul King, Relationship Director, Santander UK, said: “The UK is facing unprecedented times following the outbreak of coronavirus and with this comes serious questions surrounding the mental health of people across the country. We were happy to help the business manage this difficult period and hope the funding will go some way to helping those in need, both during and long after the outbreak.”
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OPTIMAL-I Ltd Media Enquiries
Contact : Samantha Quinlan M : 07766910063 E : sam.quinlan@icaad.com
Santander UK Media Enquiries
Lara Lipsey M: 07713 560 209 E: Lara.Lipsey@santander.co.uk
Millie Allen M: 07845 051 938 E: millie.allen@santander.co.uk
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