Former Ireland rugby international Alan Quinlan has launched a major partnership between Topaz, Ireland's largest fuels and convenience retailer and Irish Charity, Aware.

The aim of the partnership is to promote positive mental health and raise awareness of the important services that Aware provides. The partnership will also see Topaz facilitate a range of fundraising ventures in their chain of over 300 petrol stations across Ireland and among their 1,400 strong staff.

Alan Quinlan pointed to his own personal experience of depression and stressed the importance of seeking help. "As somebody who has suffered from depression I am only too aware of its consequences. There's a lot of negative stuff happening in Ireland at the moment and this partnership is a very positive step forward. Hopefully it will encourage people affected by depression to open up, discus any issues and ask for help."

Topaz CEO John Williamson said the staff had helped select Aware as the Company's charity partner and everyone at the Company was preparing to give its fundraising efforts 100% support.

"We are very confident our customers will be as enthusiastic as our employees because they know that promoting positive mental health and tackling depression are really important issues. We want to help educate people about depression and its impact, as well as the support services that Aware provides to individuals and families affected by depression," Williamson said.      

David Carton, Chairman of Aware said: "Partnering with a company of Topaz's scale and presence will be of major benefit in helping Aware with our primary objectives of educating the public on the nature, extent and consequences of depression, promoting positive mental health and providing emotional and practical support to those who are impacted."