Yorkshire bus firm Transdev’s new drive to better mental health

New training mission launches to boost care for customers and colleagues as UK marks Mental Health Awareness Week

Yorkshire-based bus operator Transdev is launching a new drive to boost care for its customers and staff as the UK marks Mental Health Awareness Week.

Campaigning charity The Mental Health Foundation is leading a nationwide week of initiatives from today to promote better awareness and understanding of the issues involved – with this week’s focus on the theme of ‘Movement: Moving More For Our Mental Health.”

While leaving the car at home and walking to the bus stop is a great way to build the benefits of exercise into daily life, as a large employer Transdev is determined to make sure that every one of its 1,200 staff has access to mental health support – and that its managers and trainers are qualified to spot the early signs and offer care and advice.

Transdev has already revised its Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) training for all its bus drivers to strengthen its focus on protecting and improving mental health. The bus operator is also giving its drivers specific training on how to help customers who may be displaying early signs of a mental health episode.

A team of 11 managers across the company have recently gained a Level 3 Mental Health First Aid qualification, with training delivered in partnership with St John Ambulance, and supported by the world’s oldest public health body, the Royal Society for Public Health.

Today, Transdev is announcing plans to train more colleagues to the same high standard – ensuring they have the knowledge to spot issues early and offer appropriate care and advice. The bus firm’s staff also have access to an independent and confidential telephone advice line offering round-the-clock support.

Transdev’s Head of People Claire Swann said: “Leaving the car at home and taking the bus is of course a great way for everyone to build in exercise to their daily routine – but we also know how important it is to ensure our people feel supported in terms of their own mental health, and that our managers and trainers have all the skills required to offer help.

“It’s also vital that our drivers are able to notice early signs and symptoms of mental health issues in our customers. Early intervention can reduce the impact of an episode, which can become very serious if left to develop.

“We believe mental health should be treated equally to physical fitness – and this additional training will help our managers and trainers to build confidence in their role as Mental Health First Aiders, which can only be good for everyone in our teams across the region.”

Full details of career and training opportunities at Transdev’s seven operating centres across Yorkshire are online at: transdevbus.co.uk/work-for-us, while information on Mental Health Awareness Week and the work of the Mental Health Foundation is online at: mentalhealth.org.uk.