A Hull bus driver has been hailed as a ‘Star of the Month’, after nominations from his colleagues recognised his work to promote positive mental health.
Leigh Barker, from Stagecoach East Midlands’ Hull depot, received a commendation certificate and £100 Love2Shop voucher because of his work in promoting positive mental-health, and particularly charity, Andy’s Man Club, within the bus operator.
One nomination said: “I would like to nominate Leigh for his ongoing work in raising awareness of mental health for his colleagues, keeping it at the front of everyone’s minds, as well as the wider community by his persistence in getting two buses branded up to promote the Andy’s Man Club message that it is #ITSOKAYTOTALK. I feel this would be well deserved.”
Another said simply: “He has done absolutely outstanding work promoting men’s mental health through his work with Andy’s Man Club. Well done, Leigh.”
Earlier this year, Stagecoach East Midlands wrapped two of its vehicles in Andy’s Man Club’s branding. The charity offers free-to-attend, peer-to-peer support groups across the UK and online. They want to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and to help men through the power of conversation.
Handing over the commendation, Matt Cranwell, Managing Director of Stagecoach East Midlands, said: “I am very proud of the work that Leigh has done – I know that he has pushed the subject of mental health extremely hard and that his passion has encouraged others to get involved or seek assistance. Leigh’s actions also led to the partnership Stagecoach now has with Andy’s Man Club – a partnership that other Stagecoach operating companies are also wanting to get involved with.
“These commendations reflect the values that we strive to uphold, like ‘we are stronger together’ and ‘we support communities’, and Leigh has shown that he lives these values every day.”
To find out more about local bus routes and services, and to buy before you board and to track your local bus, you can download the Stagecoach Bus App from www.stagecoachbus.com/promos-and-offers/national/stagecoachbusapp.