MRBA to Provide Mental Health Bursaries

UK MR and social research industry charity the MRBA has launched a new Mental Health bursary, MRBA inmind, providing funded counselling for those who cannot afford it, offered by professionally qualified therapists from an accredited register.

The MRBA (Market Research Benevolent Association) is the research industry's only registered, independent charity, founded in 1977 and funded by donations from across the MR world, client and agency side. The UK-based association gives financial support to those in our industry and their families who have fallen on hard times. Last year the organisation expanded its system of bursaries to cover the MRS Foundation Course and Certificate in market research, in order to support the country's market and social researchers at the beginning of their careers.

MRBA Chair Virginia Monk says of the latest development: 'This bursary has been created to help people in the UK research industry access the therapeutic mental health support they need but may not be able to afford. We know that market and social research can be a demanding profession, and too many colleagues face challenges alone. Mental health and wellbeing affects people at every level across our industry. Our bursary is designed to remove financial barriers for those who cannot afford professional help, making it easier for anyone in our community to speak to a qualified and accredited therapist and receive the support they deserve.'

MRBA Trustee Elaine Francis comments: 'with the constantly changing landscape and cost of living crisis we felt many in our industry could be finding life quite hard and struggling to cope. As always, we maintain the highest levels of confidentiality, and I would encourage anyone struggling with their mental health to apply.'

The charity is online at www.mrba.org.uk .