Translink and Action Mental Health launch new campaign promoting benefits of public transport
Translink and charity partner Action Mental Health have launched a new campaign focussing on the health and social benefits of using public transport for the daily commute.
The announcement comes during European Mobility Week which encourages more people to choose sustainable travel. The event’s theme this year is 'Sharing gets you further' which highlights how using shared forms of transport can reduce expenses, lower the carbon footprint and provide more sociable journeys.
Supporting Translink’s Go Healthy! initiative, Action Mental Health have been working with the transport provider for the last year to help staff and passengers de-stress and learn relaxation techniques. Given one in five adults in Northern Ireland show signs of a mental illness each year, Translink has partnered with Action Mental Health to raise the profile of this serious issue.
As part of the new ‘Journey to Good Mental Health’ campaign, Translink is highlighting key messages to passengers and staff that also support the Public Health Agency’s 5 Steps to Wellbeing initiative – 1. Connect, 2. Be Active, 3. Take Notice, 4. Keep Learning and 5. Give.
Translink’s campaign highlights how using public transport enables more time to socialise and relax and helps people who may feel lonely or isolated to connect with their local community. It also promotes ‘active travel’ by walking to the bus stop or train station providing daily exercise – all steps that support good mental health.
Commenting on the new campaign, Translink Group Chief Executive, Chris Conway said: “Promoting wellbeing amongst employees is part of our culture at Translink so it makes sense to extend these messages to our passengers. It’s important we ensure they have a comfortable and stress-free journey with space to relax, sit with friends, catch up on sleep or even study.
“We’re also pleased to highlight this campaign during European Mobility Week and have a number of autumn fare offers available to make the bus or train even more affordable and ensure public transport is your first choice for travel in Northern Ireland.”
Action Mental Health’s Fundraising and Communications Manager, Jonathan Smyth commented on the announcement: “Our partnership with Translink has gone from strength to strength and we are delighted that together we are able to raise the importance of positive mental health to such a wide audience. By making simple adjustments to our day to day lives we can all take positive steps to improve our mental health.”
For more information on Translink’s partnership with Action Mental Health www.translink.co.uk/amh/ and more information on our Autumn campaign offerswww.translink.co.uk/specialoffers/