The mental health first aid training aims to remove stigma and offer colleagues avenues to support
Go-Ahead has begun a programme to train mental health first aiders across all its UK and Irish bus companies in response to distress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Go-Ahead says the training will give representatives from 10 regional bus companies an “in-depth understanding of mental health, allowing people the practical skills to spot triggers, reassure a person in distress and guide individuals to further appropriate support”.
The group has expressed concern that men, who make up 90% of its bus workforce, are more likely to suffer from lower life satisfaction while also being less likely to access mental health support services. It is hoped that more discussion and resources will tackle this.
Brighton and Hove Buses began a mental health initiative last year. Colleagues were given mental health first aid training and have supported staff through the pandemic.
As of this month (February 2021), Go-Ahead says it has also completed in-house mental health first aid training with participants at the Oxford Bus Company, Go South West, Go South Coast, Go-Ahead London, Go North West, and Go-Ahead Ireland. Go North East and Go East Anglia will commence training shortly.
Go-Ahead Head of Safety Sam Facey says: “The pandemic has hit mental health hard across the country and it’s difficult to find someone who hasn’t been affected. It is our duty as an employer to ensure that our colleagues know what support is available.
“By training a representative in each of our bus companies as a mental health first aider, we can start to tackle the stigma surrounding mental health by providing and practical and emotional support.”
