What does an Internet security and anti-virus company, a not-for-profit community organisation and V8 Supercars have in common?
Symantec, makers of Norton 360, as well as principal sponsorship of the Nissan Altimas factory V8 team the Norton Hornets, today announced its partnership with mental health organisation BeyondBlue at the Bathurst 1000 event.
Donating a record-breaking $300,000, the largest corporate donation ever received by the not-for-profit organisation, Symantec also hopes to raise awareness of its partnership by changing the Norton Hornets’ team number from 360 to 300, matching the donated amount.
Given the rise of cyber bullying, which can trigger anxiety and depression, BeyondBlue’s mission is to increase awareness and reduce the stigma of feeling ‘blue.’
The group has also revealed some preliminary research findings around common signs of depressed or suicidal people on the internet, including spending long hours online and social isolation.
In addition to extensive online material and a live text chat service, BeyondBlue is planning to launch an app that will help guide conversations about mental health, including identifying signs and symptoms of depression and the best ways approach the subject.
No firm launch date is set but the app will be out in a couple of months.
With the traditional stigmas around mental health, especially with males, including fathers and sons, the Bathurst 1000 is an ideal platform to promote BeyondBlue and mission.
Mathew Drake, Senior Director, Consumer and Small Business at Symantec explained that “with three million Australians living with depression or anxiety disorders, Symantec, in partnership with BeyondBlue and the Norton Hornets will aim to raise awareness of these disorders.”
The large donation comes from the sales of specifically marked ‘BeyondBlue’ boxes of Norton 360 Multi-Device, sold through Australian retailers.
