To raise awareness of mental health and provide help and support for those who could be suffering, Van Excellence is launching a campaign in partnership with charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably).
The campaign will address the stigma around mental health and raise awareness of the resources available for men, who could be uncertain of where to obtain help and advice.
Suicide is now reportedly the biggest killer of men under the age of 45 in the UK. Many of those who take their own lives struggle with mental health issues and suffer in silence for fear of isolation, ridicule or lack of support from those around them.
With one in five van drivers describing their current mental health as poor or very poor, the scheme will see vehicle hire and leasing companies offering support packs and information to all customers.
Crafted by Van Excellence, in association with the charity’s key advisers, the packs will promote CALM’s support services and will be made available to all those leasing through organisations including Arval, Activa, Reflex Vans, Arnold Clark and Venson Automotive Solutions, which are the first companies to sign up for the scheme.
Mark Cartwright, Head of Vans and Light Commercial Vehicles at the Freight Transport Association (FTA), which administers the scheme, explained: “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.
“Van Excellence is committed to improving the wellbeing of all its drivers. We’ve been overwhelmed by the positive reaction from the industry; we’re so grateful to our first partners – Arval, Activa, Reflex Vans, Venson Automotive Solutions and Arnold Clark – for joining us on this journey and we look forward to welcoming more partners on board.
“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 the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), added: “The work Van Excellence are doing to support their 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 – so we’re proud to be getting the CALM message out across this community.”
Van Excellence is inviting companies to sign up to scheme. For more information, email info@vanexcellence.co.uk or call 03717 11 22 22.
