Our 2024 opening session focusses on mental wellbeing. We discuss the critical issues rail workers face in these uncertain times. Life post-covid seems to be relentless. The cost-of living-crisis has taken hold, and we’re constantly facing challenges at work, whether that be budgets, safety or job security. Our discussion focuses on strategies to foster mental resilience, provide robust support systems, and create a healthier work environment.
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To suicide and beyond
It was Christmas 2008, and Chris Parker planned to end his life - but circumstances changes and Chris ended up walking away. That situation changed his life forever. It took several years to appreciate what happened. Fast forward a few years, and Chris joined Network Rail's Train Planning department. He observed Network Rail’s culture and attitude towards mental health at that time. He knew there was room for improvement.
Designing for mental health: Are we there yet?
1-in-3 rail workers meet the criteria for a clinical mental health condition, leading to ill health and absence. Here, industry experts talk about designing jobs around mental wellbeing to combat this.
Laughter as medicine
Angie Belcher shows how she uses the process of learning stand-up comedy to help people experiencing trauma have confidence to write and perform from their own life experiences. Angie talks about her pioneering work being the first person to get comedy prescribed on the NHS and how her belief that comedy is for more than just the live circuit, but a power for good that can help elevate people and transcend their belief in themselves.