Rail staff face health and safety challenges unheard of in most other industries. Accidents and traumatic events, abusive customer behaviour, the toll of physical labour, and the responsibility of keeping customers safe, can all take their toll.
A safe and efficient railway relies on the individuals who turn up every day to manage it. With that in mind, Rail Wellbeing Live came into being in as the industry’s largest health and wellbeing initiative. Established by the by the Rail Wellbeing Alliance, a cross-industry group made up of dozens of companies, suppliers, and industry bodies, its mission is to make individuals and organisations fitter, more resilient, and able to tackle any challenges that come their way.
Since the initiative was launched in 2020, tens of thousands of people from across the industry have logged in to the annual online event. In 2023 alone, over 15,000 people registered, resulting in a record 56,000 sessions attended.
This year, Rail Wellbeing Live takes place from 5-7 November, and boasts high-profile speakers, including Ollie Ollerton, star of Channel 4’s SAS: Who Dares Wins; Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes; ex-England footballer Stuart Pearce MBE; and author, presenter, and campaigner Katie Piper OBE.
Among other things, the programme for 2024 covers a raft of wellbeing topics including mental health, resilience, anxiety, nutrition, sleep, addiction, and money worries. Registrants can ‘pick ‘n’ mix’ the sessions they want to attend, creating their own agenda and selecting the topics that interest them most.
Expect inspiration, tips, and guidance on how to tackle some of the most pressing issues affecting rail personnel.
A packed schedule
This year’s opening session will focus on mental wellbeing and will discuss the critical issues rail workers face in these uncertain times. Network Rail Chief Executive Andrew Haines will speak, along with a panel featuring Alex Hynes (Department for Transport); Claire Mann (Transport for London); Joana Faustino (Rail Safety and Standards Board); and Syed Asim Shah, (Network Rail). The panel will share practical tools and resources to help rail workers navigate stress and adversity.
Ruth Busby, chair of the Rail Wellbeing Live Steering Board and people and transformation director at Great Western Railway and Network Rail Wales and Western, will host the session.
“Rail Wellbeing Live is such a fantastic event and I’m proud to be a part of it,” she says. “Events like this give us all the opportunity to take stock and really invest in ourselves.
“All too often, we don’t prioritise our health and wellbeing and can suffer as a consequence. Taking part in one or more of these fantastic sessions will give you the tools to make a positive change – whether that be mentally, physically, emotionally or financially.”
Following the opening session, highlights over the next three days include:
Being limitless with MasterChef’s Amar Latif OBE
Amar is a blind traveller, businessman, and TV personality with an astonishing track record of facing up to major challenges. Due to an incurable eye condition, Amar lost 95% of his sight by the age of 19. Through sheer determination, he has managed to turn an unpromising tale of loss, into one of truly inspirational achievement.
Ultra processed food with Robert Hobson
Discover the impact of ultra-processed foods on health and wellbeing in this insightful session. Learn about the characteristics that define ultra-processed foods, their prevalence in modern diets, and their links to various health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. This session will also explore strategies for reducing consumption and making healthier food choices.
Untangle your anxiety with Joshua Fletcher
Psychotherapist Joshua Fletcher will create a sense of understanding and awareness by discussing what anxiety is, how it presents differently in people, and how to address it, particularly if it arises in the workplace. With a blend of humour and engaging psycho-education, Joshua seeks to cultivate empathy in his audience and provide hope and guidance for those struggling with anxiety. Drawing from his professional expertise and personal experience with panic disorder and OCD, he offers a unique perspective on managing anxiety.
The power of collective thinking, with Dr Hannah Critchlow
At a time of existential global challenges, we need our best brainpower to solve them. So how do we create genius environments, help our brains flourish and boost group thinking? Neuroscientist and bestselling author of The Science of Fate, Dr Hannah Critchlow, will share how to cope with wildly differing opinions, balance our biases, prevent a corrupting force, and how we can exercise our intuitive ability to get the most effective outcomes.
Gambling addiction awareness, with Steve Watts
Steve Watts, founder and CEO of GamFam, joins Rail Wellbeing Live to help change people’s perception of gambling. He’ll be looking at what gambling is and where gambling harms start, and will explore the links between online gaming and gambling, especially now everyone has access to a ‘casino in our pocket’. Steve will offer some practical advice and resources so that you feel more confident to offer support to anyone affected by gambling. Attendees will also be able to signpost people to specialised support and services.
Register today
Rail Wellbeing Live offers everyone in the industry the opportunity to come together and connect with colleagues and industry experts for inspiration, tips, and guidance on how to tackle a wide range of health and wellbeing issues.
“It doesn’t matter where you are in the rail industry, we all have similar challenges,” says Ruth.
“I’d especially like to ask line managers to encourage their team to join a RWL session. Even if you can’t join live, sessions are available afterwards so please register and watch at a time that is convenient.”
“I very much look forward to everyone coming together to improve wellbeing as one, big, railway family.”
Image credit: Rail Wellbeing Live
