Mental health charity, Mind, has announced an expanded line-up for the Kent Mental Health & Wellbeing Awards, which is to be sponsored by bus operator Stagecoach.
The awards scheme has been launched by Mind charities in Kent and Medway to celebrate the individuals, organisations, and initiatives that help make a difference in the lives of others.
Stagecoach South East has been announced as the headline sponsors of this year’s event, which is set to take place at Ashford International Hotel on Friday 22 October.
Every year, one in four people in the UK will experience a mental health problem. Mind provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem and campaigns to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding.
Simon Dolby, CEO of South Kent Mind, said: “I am delighted Stagecoach is able to support the annual wellbeing awards in Kent. The expertise, guidance, and support the company has provided to the team in staging this pilot event has been invaluable.
“The volume of nominations from across the county has taken us by surprise and with the help of Stagecoach we will be able to ensure additional winners are recognised at the awards celebration this October.”
Mind has revealed that Double Olympian and mental health ambassador Jack Green will be the VIP speaker at the ceremony next month.
Stagecoach has recently invested in Mental First Aid Training for colleagues across Kent and East Sussex. Accredited by Mental Health England, the trained individuals have been acting as the first point of contact for those that require mental health support in the workplace.
Joel Mitchell, Managing Director at Stagecoach South East, said: “It’s been an incredibly challenging 18 months for us all. The Covid-19 pandemic has affected the mental health of so many of us, especially those who were already struggling.
“The awards recognise the people who have gone above and beyond to offer a helping hand and improve the lives of others during this time and we are absolutely thrilled to be able to support this.”
To find out more, visit: www.kentmhwawards.org.uk
All very good for awards but how about Stagecoach now training their drivers in handling passengers with respect and decency when they come into contact with those with disabilities, mental, physical and learning difficulties. Many are okay but there are still plenty who treat them badly. My disabled, autistic son being refused onto the last evening connecting bus home half way through his journey with no other way for him to get home, then phoning up in a panic, all because the driver doesn’t like people with hoodies. He often complains that the 8 or 8A bus did not stop for him at the bus stop, it’s because of his looks. He says “they don’t like me and are rude to me”. He can’t help himself and relies on drivers for his safety. To leave a disabled pass user stranded is despicable. I am sure he is not the only one it happens to either. I feel sad for all those disabled pass users travelling who are treated badly like this.
Have you contacted Stagecoach to point out your son’s situation?
I agree that it’s not acceptable that anyone should be left standing at the bus stop. But contacting the Company directly might result in a bit of driver education.
Hi @Kent Resident, I’m the Communications Manager at Stagecoach. I’m concerned about what you describe and like to look into this. Please can you email me at [email protected] FAO Matthew, and I’ll pick this up. Many thanks.
How can stagecoach put a smile on. The way drivers are bullied by management is unreal.