Million Hour Challenge

Ian Prosser is encouraging greater numbers of rail staff to take part in the Million Hour Challenge (MHC). Established in March 2019, it aims to generate a million hours of volunteering and raise £ 2.5 million for Samaritans by the end of Control Period 6 in March 2024.

Rail staff can volunteer as Samaritans listeners or fulfil a number of other vital ‘back office’ functions, including IT support and project management. Individuals can also enter into the spirit of the MHC by participating in fundraising events or by simply asking colleagues how they feel. Published in RAIL 908 in association with ORR, the 24-page Supporting each other: mental health and the railways supplement goes into further detail about the benefits of MHC participation to individuals, organisations and communities, and the volunteering opportunities that are on offer.

Prosser, who himself became a Trustee at his local branch of Samaritans in Cambridge in June, says: “The supplement in RAIL 908 has very powerfully demonstrated that there is a lot we can do to improve mental health provision across the sector and to look after each other during these difficult times.

“We are gearing ourselves up to have a big push on the MHC in September when things are a bit more ‘normal’ but also when increased need is going to be there. There will be difficult times ahead for fundraising and it will also help our own mental health and wellbeing within the industry.”

■ For more information visit www.millionhourchallenge.com or www.railmagazine.com/special-reports/mental-health-issue-908