WHO IS BUSNSW?
BusNSW is the peak body for the private bus and coach industry in NSW. BusNSW’s mission is to foster the efficient and sustainable growth of public transport and in doing so, promote the benefits of bus and coach transport in NSW.
THE RECOVERY BOOST PROGRAM
The NSW Government’s State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) allocates funding each year via its “Recovery Boost” initiative. Recovery Boost aims to fund workplace mental health projects that “encourage early help seeking, support recovery and reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues”.
In 2022, BusNSW was awarded funding under the Recovery Boost Program to develop and implement “Signal for Help” – a program to support healthy minds in the NSW Bus Industry.
THE ISSUE
There are approximately 25,000 bus drivers in NSW. In recent years, many drivers have left the industry due in part to the mental health challenges posed by the COVID pandemic. Aggressive and abusive passengers, stressful driving conditions and the isolated nature of the driver’s job also may contribute to mental health issues in the industry.
THE SIGNAL FOR HELP PROGRAM
BusNSW’s Signal for Help program aims to raise awareness of mental health issues in the bus and coach industry and encourages employees and their colleagues and managers to “signal for help” when they encounter a mental health issue, and to access appropriate resources and strategies to help manage that issue.
The Program:
- Raises awareness via specific examples of different mental health challenges in the bus and coach industry.
- Teaches bus and coach employees and their supervisors and colleagues to identify the signs and symptoms of mental health issues.
- Provides employees, supervisors and colleagues with specific strategies and resources to assist affected individuals.
- Directs parties to online tools and telehealth options that provide further assistance and support (e.g., Beyond Blue, The Black Dog Institute etc).