Moto launches mental health initiative at service areas for HGV drivers

Moto Hospitality has launched a Cabservation campaign to help improve the mental health of HGV drivers.

The company has partnered with mental health charity Mind and SAMH (Scottish Association for Mental Health) and with the support of the RHA (Road Haulage Association), for the initiative, which encourages drivers to connect and talk to one another when taking a break at its service stations.

An estimated 41 per cent of ill health is caused by work-related stress, depression or anxiety in the transport and storage sector.

Ken McMeikan, chief executive of Moto, said: “We are enormously proud to have partnered with Mind and SAMH to launch our Cabservation campaign to help with a key issue while taking a relaxing break at Moto service areas.

“Meaningful moments of connection are crucial to promoting better mental health and wellbeing. As well as providing drivers with the emotional support they need.

“We hope our campaign will allow HGV drivers, many of whom have expressed feelings of loneliness while on the roads, to connect with each other.

“This is important as connecting with others can help improve our mental wellbeing and create a sense of belonging.

“This is crucial as the pandemic has had a devastating effect on the nation’s mental health, especially for those with existing mental health problems, and the cost-of-living crisis is only making matters worse.”

As part of the campaign, Moto Hospitality has installed 60 ‘talking benches’ at its service stations across the country for drivers to sit at and chat.

It will also use website articles, social media content and digital signage at Moto sites to encourage drivers to connect.

In July last year, Moto Foundation – the charitable arm of Mot Hospitality – launched a five-year partnership with Mind and SAMH, which aims to raise £1.25 million.

The partnership enables Mind and SAMH to continue to provide support services.

SAMH operates an information service and more than 70 services in communities across Scotland, while Mind provides a helpline and peer support communities across England and Wales.