To showcase our partnership, we've released this film which features people from across LNER talking about their own experiences of mental health problems and coming across the issue of suicide in their working lives.
One of those featured is Adrian Bayne, who has been driving trains for 17 years. In the video, Adrian speaks about the impact suicide has had on him:
“I think that being a Train Driver must be the only job where it’s in the back of your mind every day. Is it going to be me? It has a domino effect and touches so many people’s lives. Forming this partnership with CALM shows our intent to build something for the future, encouraging people who are in a vulnerable position to seek help.”
Another part of today's announcement sees the release of a brand new way for LNER's customers to help support CALM. For the first time, when claiming Delay Repay following disruption to their journey, customers will have the opportunity to donate their compensation to the charity. This new initiative follows months of incredible fundraising work from staff across the entire LNER team, up and down the country.
Our CEO Simon Gunning is celebrating the partnership: “LNER are taking steps to support their staff, their customers and all that use their network, so we’re delighted to be partnering with them.
"Suicide affects thousands of people every year and remains the single biggest killer of men under 45 in the UK, and the work that LNER are doing to change this is commendable.
"So, whether it’s via something visible in a train station or in response to one of our films on social media, I believe the CALM and LNER partnership will start plenty of conversations – some of which might just be lifesaving.”
Jennie Pitt, People Engagement and Corporate Responsibility Manager at LNER, said: “It is devastating to read that an average of 84 men take their own lives each week in the UK. You only need to work in the rail industry a short time to learn of the far too regular occurrence of this issue. It has a huge affect on the communities around stations as well as on our staff. We hope that through these initiatives we can help raise awareness of mental health and help to signpost those who may need support.”
For more information about the LNER x CALM partnership and how to claim Delay Repay in support of CALM, click here.