Mindfulness for Professional Drivers course launched to support wellbeing

The Guild of Mindful Driver Trainers has launched a new Mindfulness for Professional Drivers course to support fleet safety and driver wellbeing.

It is available for teams of up to 12 employees to ease stress and give drivers the tools to manage pressure and anxiety in the future. 

The six-week online course, which consists of 1.5 hourly sessions once a week, can be delivered either during the working day, weekends or evenings and counts as Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

The programme was developed by San Harper, of the Guild of Mindful Driver Trainers, a practising Grade A ADI and MindfulnessUK trained teacher, after discovering the benefits of a mindfulness-based approach to driving and driver training. 

Harper said: “It blows me away to witness the shifts in mindset brought about through these courses in mindfulness and compassion within the road safety industry and corporate sector.  Most of the time we are living on autopilot, unaware of how the subtle choices we make day to day can have such a powerful overall effect.

“Through mindfulness and compassion practices, we can learn to tap into our innate wisdom to make more conscious choices and better decisions, which ultimately will lead to more conscious, considerate and safer drivers.”   

Motus Commercials appoints mental health first aiders

DAF Trucks dealership group, Motus Commercials, has increased its focus on mental health wellbeing and awareness throughout its organisation. Since the beginning of 2021, the business has invested £35,000 in both the training and counselling of employees, including the appointment of ‘Mental Health First Aiders’ across 30 of its sites.

Motus Commercials head of HR, Emma Murdock, said: “The rigours of our industry are no secret, and we have always put staff health and safety at the forefront of our agenda. We are now expanding this to include a commitment to the mental health of our teams. We believe in a workplace where everyone can be themselves, and thrive too.”

The commitment has included 70 managers completing a Mental Health Awareness programme, four managers completing a 12-week counselling course and three completing a CBT course.

Motus Commercials has now appointed ‘People Champions’ in the shape of mental health first aiders at 30 sites. Their role is to destigmatise mental health and encourage colleagues to open up - providing a point of contact for anyone with concerns around their mental health. First Aiders support colleagues through meaningful conversations and by directing them to professional help if required.

This activity has been complemented during the year by events encouraging everyone in the business to take a step away from their work for a ‘cuppa and a chat’ with a fellow colleague. Team members are also encouraged to get outdoors and take gentle exercise, to understand their own self-esteem and improve it where needed, and to raise awareness around anxiety and learn to tackle anxious thoughts.