World Mental Health Day

11 October 2022

World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to stop and reflect on the things that can affect mental health.

In 2020 the pandemic changed things for all of us in one way or another. At Transport Focus, we have always had a mixture of working from offices or out and about on trains, buses, trams or driving on motorways and major ‘A’ roads. Suddenly we had to work out how to represent transport users (many of whom weren’t travelling at the time) and also to connect with and influence decisionmakers – from our homes.

Like many other organisations we had a steep learning curve, and changed the way we do things for the future. Now there is further change as the world moves beyond lockdown.

For Transport Focus that means we are back out talking to transport providers, authorities and users. Our colleagues continue to work tirelessly to make a difference for transport users. We’ve now adopted new, different ways of working that includes working from the office, home working and working directly where we are needed across the country.

Adapting to change like this takes resilience. Good mental health is key. This week, for World Mental Health Day, we’ll stop for a tea break together and take the time to talk, to ask each other about the things at work and at home that affect our wellbeing.

Yes, World Mental Health Day is just one day, and of course we prioritise our staff wellbeing every day. But it is good to have a reminder to check in with each other.