The wellbeing of our drivers is a major concern and more so than ever in the current climate. Many van drivers operate effectively as lone workers, spending long days behind the wheel with very little human contact. Poor nutrition, uncomfortable seating positions, and stress of meeting punishing work schedules all take their tolls.
People power keeps van heroes moving
The nation’s van community is working harder than ever on the front line to deliver more medical supplies, groceries, essential goods and parcels – but it’s come at considerable personal cost. With the average driver’s working week increasing by almost 5 hours during this crisis – that’s almost 20 hours more a month – we ask: where does their determination and resilience come from?
How are sporting heroes inspiring the UK’s van community?
Stars from sport are inspiring us to speak about our mental health and well-being – more than any other profession in the country according to the latest research from Mercedes-Benz Vans. But exactly how are the UK’s van community being encouraged by the sporting elite?
A timely reminder about SAD for Britain’s van community
Research from Mercedes-Benz Vans, carried out before the clocks went back in October 2019, revealed one in three UK van drivers suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) in the winter months. With this in mind, we’ve teamed up with former Liverpool and England footballer, Chris Kirkland, to raise awareness of SAD. A timely reminder as the clocks go back next month.
Could football be the key to tackling mental health?
Football. As they say, it’s more than just a game – and as new research reveals, it could even be essential to tackling mental health in the UK. So how does the beautiful game – and sports in general – help those who might be struggling? Our Business Barometer is here to set the score straight.
Exclusively for #ProjectEDWARD, John Ryan asks why it is that a driver will look after their vehicle, but often fail to look after themselves.
Did you know that 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem each year in the UK? What’s more, professional drivers have been identified as a high-risk group when it comes to mental health. And overall, the number of reported cases is on the rise. There’s been progress in recent years, but some people are still not comfortable talking about this issue.
We talk readily about our physical health, so why should mental health be any different? We hope the information on this page might help to start a conversation.