HGV DRIVERS based at Oakland International have immediate access to mental health resources to help ease the psychological pressures associated with long journeys behind the wheel.
Staff at the firm, which is based in Redditch, are being offered sessions with qualified therapists from Swift Psychology, as well as bespoke booklets tailored to provide guidance and reassurance in drivers’ rest periods.
The move comes at a crucial time for the sector, with research indicating 44 per cent of HGV drivers suffer from depression.
Many drivers face long periods away from home, irregular sleep patterns and time pressures, which can lead to increased emotional strain and reduced wellbeing.
Lynne Pearson, distribution general manager at Oakland International, said: “Our drivers are the backbone of our business and their wellbeing is non-negotiable.
“By partnering with Swift Psychology, we’re making sure support is available when and where it’s needed most – whether that’s on the road or during a quiet moment in the cab.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to creating a culture where mental health is valued as much as physical safety.”
Dr Michael Swift, founder of Swift Psychology, said: “These booklets provide support in the moments that matter – when a driver is alone, under pressure, or simply in need of reassurance.
“Partnering with Oakland International allows us to not only provide reassuring resources at drivers’ fingertips, but also real, human access to psychological expertise.
“It’s a vital step toward improving mental health in the transport sector.
“Employees in unsupportive environments are more likely to experience mental-health issues and loneliness, whereas those working for empathetic employers report higher morale, better wellbeing, and lower stress levels.”
To this end, Swift Psychology is currently working on adapting the booklets for use by Oakland International’s non-driving workforce too.
On a wider scale, the UK Government estimates loneliness costs employers £2.5billion annually, through factors such as higher staff turnover, reduced productivity, and sickness absence.
