Sussex bus operator puts wellbeing in the driving seat

Stagecoach South East who operates across Kent and East Sussex is putting employee wellbeing in the driving seat, with the opening of a dedicated wellbeing hub and a programme of health checks visiting depots across the region.

The new hub provides a welcoming, confidential space where colleagues can speak openly with trained Mental Health First Aiders, while a partnership with The Workplace Health Coach Group is bringing physical health checks directly to employees.

The initiatives have been supported by the company's Wellbeing Steering Group, which includes Mental Health First Aiders Paul and Julie, who are both passionate about helping colleagues through difficult times.

Paul, who has worked for the company for eight years as a driver and banksman, became a Mental Health First Aider in 2021 after experiencing his own mental health challenges following the loss of his daughter in 2013.

He said: "After losing my daughter, I went through a really difficult time with my mental health. The support I've received has taught me so much, and I wanted to give something back.

"I know how important it is to have someone there when you're struggling, and if sharing my experiences and being there to listen can help someone else through a tough time, then it's all worthwhile."

Fellow Mental Health First Aider Julie, who has worked in the bus industry for more than 20 years, took on the role in 2021, drawing on her own experiences of trauma and mental health challenges.

She said: "I've struggled with my mental health since I was a child, having experienced some really traumatic things growing up. Back then, people didn't talk about mental health. You were just expected to get on with life, and I often felt like I had nobody to turn to.

"Those experiences have stayed with me, and I never want anyone else to feel as alone as I did. That's why I jumped at the opportunity to become a Mental Health First Aider.

"Sometimes people just need someone to listen, believe them and give them the time they need. I've had someone come to me in tears and leave laughing, and knowing I've made that difference is what it's all about."

The newly opened wellbeing hub, featuring comfortable seating, calming green décor and plants, was developed to provide exactly that environment.

Julie added: "The feedback has been fantastic. Everyone has commented on how relaxing and welcoming the room feels. Having somewhere dedicated to wellbeing makes it easier for people to open up, and we're always looking at new ways to support our colleagues."

Alongside the hub, health coaches Colin Rouse and Jasmine Hawkins from The Workplace Health Coach Group are visiting depots across Kent and East Sussex, offering mini health checks including blood pressure and weight measurements, as well as informal conversations about health and lifestyle habits.

The visits also feature interactive activities, including a grip-strength challenge, helping to make conversations about health more approachable.

Colin Rouse said: "We know that in busy operational environments, looking after your own health can sometimes fall to the bottom of the list.

"We're here to make those conversations easy and approachable. We're ordinary people too, and it's not about judging anyone or telling them what to do. It's about helping people understand their health and make small, positive changes that work for them."

The health coaching programme is funded for 12 months and aims to encourage employees to take a proactive approach to their physical and mental wellbeing.

Joel Mitchell, Managing Director of Stagecoach South East, said: "Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and looking after their wellbeing is incredibly important to us.

"We're proud to have colleagues like Paul and Julie who genuinely care about supporting others, and the new wellbeing hub gives them a dedicated space to do just that.

"Combined with the health checks taking place across our depots, we're making it easier for colleagues to access support, have open conversations and put their health first."