■ West Somerset hotline ensures staff well-being during lockdown
THE well-being of staff and volunteers on the West Somerset Railway during lockdown is being assessed in a series of online counselling sessions by senior management.
During the pandemic, increasing national publicity has been given to people whose mental health has suffered badly by the isolation caused by the restrictions imposed on society, leading to depression.
Railway plc chairman Jonathan Jones-Pratt and his board have offered a helping hand to staff and the 1000 volunteers to ensure that they are not left feeling abandoned and alone during the line’s enforced closure.
In a letter to the workforce, he said: “We reflect on those who are now facing further time isolating at home, across to those working within essential work needs.
“The impacts of the virus are very apparent, and that has seen much sadness across our region and further afield.
“Our priority as a board is to ensure the well-being of our railway community and not increase risk. I am particularly proud of the board’s responsible approach to the challenges and the willingness to make decisions – these are not always going to be the popular decisions but are vital to protect lives and do our bit within the West Somerset community.
Focus
“We have worked closely with all concerned and safeguarded our railway, and members of the team are working hard to raise further funds to protect our position as we work through the shaping of 2021 plans. We are confident we will operate and that when we do, we will be in good order.
“One area we do need to focus on more is our people. Given the nature of lockdowns and the realisation of those damaging effects which may arise, I wish to offer a hand of care.
“We as a board wish to be here for our workforce and offer them the opportunity to talk if required. We also plan to continue to drive the positive news of progress through our communications to hopefully keep the focus and provide some uplifting spirit, knowing all is being done to look after our railway.
“The plan will be to operate a number of Zoom conference calls for sessions up to an hour, which will allow dialogue and update. I always prefer the interactive approach to messaging and this will be the best opportunity we have for now.”
Furthermore, the board has enacted a scheme to make welfare calls to check on the well-being of the workforce, both paid and voluntary, and to direct support if needed. So far almost 500 calls have been made, and contact details have been provided to staff to use if they deem necessary.
Jonathan also invited volunteers to help with the service. He told Heritage Railway that other heritage lines have praised the initiative and are looking to set up similar schemes of their own.
“We must address mental health issues caused by lockdowns on the railway, just the same as we would if we were running any other business,” he said. “Our workforce has wonderful people and this is the right thing to do.”