A good news story for you;
Health Shield Friendly Society is celebrating its three-year anniversary supporting Railway Benefit Fund’s Heart of Gold Awards.
Now in their seventh year, the awards celebrate the extraordinary individuals and teams that make a real difference in the rail industry.
Health Shield sponsors the Wellbeing Champion award, which is awarded to an individual who always goes above and beyond to improve the wellbeing of those around them, listens to colleagues and is dedicated to improving mental and physical health and wellbeing.
The not-for-profit mutual was founded in 1877 to help railway workers and today provides employee health benefits including health cash plans and health screening services to businesses across the UK.
Jacqui Carr, CEO at Health Shield, said: “We are proud of our longstanding partnership with Railway Benefit Fund which plays a vital role in supporting the wellbeing of railway workers and their families.
“With our shared railway heritage, it has been a privilege to collaborate on initiatives that positively impact the railway community. It’s an opportunity to shine a light on those who are making a remarkable difference.”
Health Shield chose to support the Wellbeing Champion award because it resonates with the business’ core purpose of helping employees to lead happy and healthy lives and with the value it places on employee wellbeing.
Last year’s Wellbeing Champion Award went to Ian Watson, who witnessed a member of the public end his life by jumping in front of the train he was driving.
Ian subsequently dedicated himself to helping others with their mental health.
He became a Mental Health First Aider, launched initiatives such as TransPennine Express Chatty Benches where customers can sit if they feel lonely, and established new local chapters of Andy’s Man Club, a suicide prevention charity.
Ian said: “It was a privilege to be nominated for the Heart of Gold Award sponsored by Health Shield for raising awareness of Andy’s Man Club as well as encouraging people to talk.
“There were a lot of excellent nominations. To then win the award and be recognised for raising awareness of mental health and trying to get people to openly talk and break that stigma surrounding mental health was very heart-warming.
“I can’t emphasise the importance and power of talking. For someone in need, that step seems like a mountain to overcome, but once you’ve taken it, you’ll never look back.”
Both Health Shield and Railway Benefit Fund (RBF) are based in the railway town of Crewe, Cheshire and even shared offices ten years ago.
Health Shield also fields a team at the RBF annual golf day and often hosts events for retired rail workers at their office.
This year’s awards will be announced in a ceremony taking place on 26 November, where Health Shield will help to judge the applications and will present the award to the winner on the night.
Jacqui added: “We see inspiring stories of so many people who are making a meaningful difference. It is the hardest decision we have to make every year as there are so many worthy winners.”
RBF CEO Jo Kaye added: “We’re grateful to Health Shield for the team’s continued support for the Heart of Gold Awards.
“What makes these awards special is that they come straight from the heart of the rail community.
“It’s not a committee decision, it’s our front-line staff celebrating and uplifting their colleagues, a direct way for everyday heroes to say ‘thank you’ to those who make a real difference in our workplace.”
For more information about the awards visit: https://www.railwaybenefitfund.org.uk/news/heart-of-gold-awards/
For more information visit: https://www.healthshield.co.uk/
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