Firm expands mental health training

Market-leading supply partner Middledale Foods - which is based in Chirk - has partnered with Advance Brighter Futures to expand access to Mental Health First Aid and safeTALK suicide prevention training across North Wales.

The initiative sees Middledale Foods fund training not only for its own team, but also for members of the local community who may not otherwise have access to these vital skills.

Designed to be accessible to all, the training equips individuals to recognise when someone may be struggling, challenge stigma, and encourage open, supportive conversations.

Mental Health First Aid focuses on identifying signs of mental ill health and offering initial support, while safeTALK provides suicide awareness training, helping participants recognise when someone may be at risk and how to connect them with appropriate help.

Delivered in every day community settings, the programme aims to normalise conversations around mental health and contribute to stronger, more resilient communities.

The partnership builds on Middledale Foods’ support of the Baton of Hope in 2025 – the UK’s largest suicide prevention initiative, designed to drive awareness and save lives through proactive change.

As part of the nationwide campaign, the Baton travelled across the UK, with Advance Brighter Futures leading the Wrexham leg of the tour, supported by Middledale Foods and other partners.

Managing director of Middledale Foods Sarah Summers said: "We’re proud to partner with Advance Brighter Futures and to invest in training that delivers real, meaningful impact.

“Creating a supportive environment – both within our business and in the communities we’re part of – is something we take seriously. By backing programmes like safeTALK and Mental Health First Aid, we’re equipping people with the confidence and skills to support one another and have conversations that can genuinely make a difference.”

Zoe Whitehead, business development officer at Advance Brighter Futures, said: "Community resilience is at the heart of what we do. Giving people the skills and confidence to support one another can make a real difference, and this training should be accessible to everyone.

“Support from local businesses like Middledale Foods enables us to reach more people, deliver more training locally, and support the long-term sustainability of our charity. We’re proud to be working together to build a more connected and resilient community.”

As part of its investment, Middledale Foods has enrolled seven employees onto the training, who will in turn help embed learning across the wider business. The company has also funded additional places for individuals within the local community, further extending the programme’s reach.

Driven by insight, technical expertise and a partnership-led approach, Middledale Foods supports customers in a dynamic market through innovative ingredients across the dairy, egg, plant-based and functional sectors, alongside strategic sourcing and resilient, sustainable supply chain solutions.

Its customers and manufacturing partners include some of the UK’s best-known and fastest-growing brands, including Yeo Valley, Baxters, and Arla Foods.hjn