First Bus and Transdev Blazefield have each introduced additional training and initiatives to strengthen their focus on protecting and improving mental health.
As Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 began on 13 May, Transdev announced plans to train more of its staff to reach the Level 3 Mental Health First Aid qualification. 11 managers already hold that accreditation via training delivered in partnership with St John Ambulance and supported by the Royal Society for Public Health.
The North of England operator previously revised its Driver Certificate of Professional Competence curriculum to increase the focus on mental health. Transdev is also giving drivers specific training on how to assist customers who may be displaying early signs of mental health difficulty.
In training more staff members to the Level 3 qualification, Transdev Blazefield says that will give them “the knowledge to spot issues early and offer appropriate care and advice.” Employees also have access to an independent and confidential advice line for support.
First Bus will also upskill team members to enable them to support others with mental health and wellbeing issues. Over 250 staff within the business are already Mental Health First Aiders, and every line manager will receive extensive Mental Health Champion training by the end of the summer.
The former package has been delivered in partnership with Mental Health First Aid England, and the over 250 colleagues provide urgent support to those experiencing poor mental health. That is done by signposting and encouraging them to seek help. The first aiders also play a role in reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues.
Training for managers within First Bus will be through a partnership with charity State of Mind. It will give those staff the necessary skills to have conversations with their teams and offer mental health support on an ongoing basis, not solely in an emergency.
Director of Colleague Experience and Relations Gareth Hind says First Bus has seen more mental health referrals than ever before during 2024 so far. He adds that the work being done on training represents the operator “maturing our approach to mental health in our business.”
Transdev Blazefield Head of People Claire Swann says that the company believes “mental health should be treated equally to physical fitness,” noting that 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.”
