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Helping People Get Better
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Public Transport

Using public transport can present problems for some people with mental health problems. People may be concerned about personal safety or harassment, become anxious on crowded buses or trains, or may find public transport too expensive.

Difficulties with using public transport may mean that people’s horizons in terms of participating in leisure, learning and work are severely limited, and they become cut off from their communities and opportunities.

 

On the Buses

On the Buses is a mental health awareness and transport staff training which is a collaboration of service users, Centro and Travel WM the largest bus company operating in the region.

Following a series of roadshows about using public transport over 100 service users took part in a survey about their experiences.  A report called ALL ABOARD! was presented to CENTRO in May 2006. By early 2007 the Social Inclusion team had begun a project to develop a training package for use by bus companies in understanding mental health issues.  Piece of Mind, a user based drama group in conjunction with Community Vibe Ltd met up with service users across the area and devised and produced a 20 minute Training DVD, as part of a one hour session of mental health awareness for bus drivers and staff.   By March 2008 over 300 Travel WM drivershave received this training.