Railway worker presented with award by Health Shield

A West Midlands Railway worker who has worked tirelessly to support people’s mental health has been presented with a Railway Benefit Fund Heart of Gold Award by Health Shield Friendly Society.

Customer experience manager Samantha Passmore was recognised with the Wellbeing Champion award after she set up a mental health hub at Wolverhampton train station.

This marks the third year Health Shield has sponsored the Wellbeing Champion award and helped judge the entries.

Isabella Walker, head of HR at Health Shield, who attended the ceremony said: “We were so impressed with Sam’s work to set up a Safeguarding Hub. She recognised there was a need for more local community spaces which could offer mental health support and made it happen.

“The Hub has already welcomed 600 people since opening in May, and visitors have benefitted from talking therapy, crisis support and community-run events.

“We’re so proud of our support for the RBF which shines a spotlight on the incredible railway workers who go the extra mile.”

The dedicated and rent-free Safeguarding Hub is run by Rethink Mental Illness in partnership with West Midlands Railway to provide vital mental health support at the station.

Samantha Passmore said: “I’m overwhelmed that I won this award. What an amazing achievement. I’m proud of what we have achieved here at Wolverhampton, having the resources to be able to help so many different people who need it and who have nowhere to turn.

“At The Hub anybody can be signposted to the correct organisation for help. We are looking forward to helping more people in the future and raising awareness that mental health matters.”

Health Shield’s connection with the railways dates back to the friendly society’s origins, when it was founded in 1877 to help railway workers.

Today it provides employee health benefits including health cash plans and health screening services to businesses across the UK, covering more than 500,000 people.

Its continued support for the RBF Heart of Gold Awards is rooted in supporting its core purpose of helping employees to lead happy and healthy lives and the value it places on employee wellbeing.

Jo Kaye, CEO of RBF, said: "We truly appreciate Health Shield’s ongoing support for the Heart of Gold Awards.

“What makes these awards unique is their authenticity, as they come directly from the rail community itself.

“Rather than being decided by a panel, they reflect the voices of front-line staff who want to celebrate their colleagues. It’s a heartfelt way for everyday heroes to say ‘thank you’ to those who make a real impact in our workplace."

The Wellbeing Champion award is given to an individual who always goes above and beyond to improve the wellbeing of those around them. It recognises those who listen to colleagues and are dedicated to improving mental and physical health and wellbeing.

The awards were presented by charity president Pete Waterman OBE and Jo Kaye, CEO of RBF, at a ceremony hosted by Railpen at their new London offices on 26 November.

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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About Health Shield Friendly Society

Health Shield is an award-winning friendly society, dedicated to helping businesses stay in the best of health by providing employee health benefits. Founded in 1877 to support the health of railway workers, today the not-for-profit mutual provides employee health benefits to businesses across the UK, covering more than 500,000 people. Its award-winning product offering includes health cash plans and health screening services designed for prevention and early intervention.

For more information visit: https://www.healthshield.co.uk/