It's OK not to be OK
How we're looking after colleagues' mental health
 
 

COVID-19 has taken an unprecedented toll on our nation's mental as well as physical health. For our colleagues  working on the frontline to deliver vital services through the pandemic it can be particularly tough and it is understandable for them to be experiencing feelings of stress and anxiety.

During this time we are making sure that all our people are supported and kept fully aware of the services available to them through the railway family. For example the Railway Mission, who have set up a dedicated email and number for any railway worker feeling anxious, lonely or depressed, and the Railway Benefit Fund which supports railway people all over the UK and is now providing extra resource to ensure that funds and assistance can reach those that need it most.

For our part, Avanti’s Learning and Development team has created a staff programme titled “Looking After Yourself”, which demonstrates how colleagues can take care of their mental wellbeing at this time.  We’ve also built a team of Mental Health Champions within the business who have all completed an accredited Mental Health First Aid course and internal training. Our Champions are now offering support and guidance to all our people, regardless of role and location.

Recently we asked some of our colleagues to express why mental health is so important, and what are their personal coping mechanisms. Click on the link to hear our amazing people speak with real honesty and openness about why it's normal to feel anxious or depressed right now, and why it’s OK to ask for help.

See the video we've shared with our people here: It's OK not to be OK