PROSPER SPRING DIGITAL

MEMBERS’ NEWS
Anthony (front left) with
the Paycare team as they
mark the organisation’s
150 years
Chamber Patron celebrates
150th anniversary in style
Black Country-based not-for-profit
organisation Paycare has had a busy
start to 2024 as it marks its 150th year in
operation.
Paycare, a Chamber Patron which
provides a range of health cash plans to
individuals, employees, and their families,
was originally formed in 1874 to support
factory workers with everyday healthcare
costs.
Initially named the Patients’ Aid
Association, the organisation has since
helped millions of people claim back cash
on everything from optical and dental
appointments to physiotherapy,
diagnostic tests, and wellbeing
treatments.
Anthony Burns, Paycare’s CEO, said
“Our 150th year is such a momentous
milestone for us as an organisation, and
one that the whole Paycare team is
exceptionally proud of.
“We were founded around the concept
that nobody should have to struggle to
access high-quality and timely healthcare,
and this absolutely remains central to us
today, particularly so in these current
times.
“Welcoming in this significant year has
not only provided us with an opportunity
to reflect on all of the incredible things
we’ve achieved as a team, but to also look
ahead to the next stage of our journey as
we continue to support more individuals
to be healthier and happier.”
Alongside supporting policyholders,
Paycare has raised in excess of
£2.5million for good causes across the
region and beyond, supporting everything
from grassroots sports clubs to
accessible entertainment, arts projects
and food banks.
Building on this heritage, Paycare has
teamed up with Wolverhampton author
James Davison in a bid to raise awareness
about mental health issues, encourage
individuals to reach out to those around
them, and to provide the frameworks to
broach these difficult but important
conversations.
The team has launched an exclusive
competition for its policyholders, giving
five individuals the chance to win a copy
of a new children’s book focused on
mental health, Mindy’s Journey.
James said: “The story follows Mindy
who after receiving some bad news wakes
Paycare award
Paycare has been awarded the Most
Positive Impact / CSR accolade in the
2024 Small Business Awards. The
honour is in recognition of the positive
impact Paycare has made through its
CSR initiatives, and the contributions to
its community, environment, and
stakeholders.
Anthony Burns said: “Altruism is at our
absolute core, and we’re delighted to
accept this award.”
up alone in a cave, where she befriends a
star who guides her.
“Details of the bad news are
purposefully vague, so that it can be
relatable to anyone, and hopefully spark
conversations between children and
parents, carers, or teachers.
“I’m very open about my own neurodiversity,
and the fact I have Tourette’s
syndrome, non-epileptic attack disorder,
and affective dysregulation.
“But I was not diagnosed until my late
teens, meaning that in high school it was
particularly hard navigating my mental
health issues at a time where there was
limited understanding. So much so, I was
regularly in trouble and always felt like an
outsider.”
Anthony Burns said: “When we learned
about James’ latest book and his own
journey, we were keen to help him
promote this vital message.
“The story – and James himself –
absolutely align with everything we stand
for at Paycare: promoting wellness,
encouraging communication, and caring
for our community.
“It is even more fantastic to learn that
for every one of his books sold, a tree is
planted – further giving back.”
• Mindy’s Journey has been nominated
for the People’s Book Prize and voting is
open until the end of April at
www.peoplesbookprize.com/summer-
2023-categories/childrens/
36 PROSPER SPRING 2024