The two charities were chosen by votes from PwC employees, who will provide help over the next two years by raising money through organised fundraising events, volunteering their time and donating money via payroll.

PwC’s support will help Samaritans train 500 volunteers, who could answer an additional 105,000 calls each year. Samaritans has 201 branches in towns and cities across the UK and Ireland. PwC and Samaritans will be teaming up to promote awareness of their services, and the difference volunteering makes, across those communities through a variety of initiatives.

UK Youth, which supports over 830,000 young people across the country, will use the funds raised to help improve social mobility for more young people across the country. PwC’s partnership will help UK Youth expand their reach to the most deprived areas of the country so that more young people can access opportunities to learn, develop skills and increase their employability.

Kevin Ellis, chairman and senior partner at PwC, said: ‘Our employees’ choice of charity partners reflects our culture and commitment to broadening access to the profession, creating a level playing field to succeed and breaking down taboos around mental health. By bringing together the fundraising power of our 20,000 people across the UK we hope to make a positive impact.’

Ruth Sutherland, Samaritans CEO, said: ‘With our confidential 24-hour service, available 365 days a year, we are often the only place people can turn to, especially when other services are unavailable. We look forward to working with PwC in the communities where its employees are based to increase our volunteer numbers and promote the power of listening.’

Anna Smee, CEO of UK Youth, said: ‘Social mobility is arguably one of the most important and challenging issues facing British society today.’