M&S has launched a nationwide fundraiser across its stores to support its partner and mental health charity YoungMinds.

Over 360 M&S stores across the UK will take part in a week-long ‘fun-raising’ challenge to raise month for the charity, from sky-diving to fancy dress.

The charity appeal comes as part of the retailer’s aims to raise £5m over three years to support YoungMinds, which it partnered with in October 2023.

The upmarket retailer has made an initial donation of £1m, while customers and colleagues have raised an additional £700,000.

Alongside its donation, the supermarket announced that 5p from the sale of every loaf in its Farmhouse loaf range would be donated to YoungMinds, which is advertised on the packaging.

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The funding will help the charity in its support of seven million young people and adults, through access to online resources and facilities such as its dedicated Parent Helpline.

M&S corporate affairs director Victoria McKenzie-Gould said: “We have already smashed our initial fundraising target just eight months into our three-year partnership with YoungMinds. With £5m our ultimate goal, we’re keeping that energy going by launching our Big Fun-raiser this week.

“I’ll be joining the marathon walk across London and I can’t wait to see what activities our stores have lined up. YoungMinds do incredible work and young people’s mental health is a hugely important cause. We’re proud to do our bit and with the help of our 32m customers and 64,000-strong M&S family – together, we’ve got this!”

YoungMings chief executive Laura Bunt added: “Life is increasingly tough for young people and record numbers are in need of support for their mental health.

“When they’re able to access the help they need, things can get better, but the wait for support is often too long or the right support isn’t available. Together with M&S, we want to show young people that together we can turn things around.

“The incredible fundraising efforts by M&S will help us reach and support more young people and the adults in their lives.”