Van Excellence, of which Jaama is a partner, has launched a new campaign to raise awareness of mental health among van drivers.
Van Excellence, an industry-led fleet scheme, which is administered by the FTA, is partnering with CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) to address the stigma around mental health and raise awareness of the resources available for men, many working as drivers, who could be uncertain of where to obtain help and advice.
Suicide is now the biggest killer of men under the age of 45 in the UK so to raise awareness of the issue and provide help and support for those who could be suffering, Van Excellence and CALM are offering support packs and information. With one in five van drivers describing their current mental health as poor or very poor.
Mark Cartwright, head of vans and light commercial vehicles at the FTA, said: “When I heard suicide is now the biggest killer of men under 45, I was moved to take action. Van drivers often operate in highly pressured and lonely environments, and the combination of tight deadlines and isolation can lead to stress, exhaustion and poor nutrition.
Too often, individuals suffer in silence and we hope this campaign will help overcome the stigma associated with this illness and provide much-needed support.”
Simon Gunning, CEO of CALM, said: “The work Van Excellence is doing to support drivers is outstanding and we’re delighted to be partnering with them. We believe the packs distributed to drivers will start plenty of conversations – some of which might just be lifesaving.”
For more information on the campaign and to obtain the packs email info@vanexcellence.co.uk or call 03717 112 222.