Council teams reach the finals of Northamptonshire Logistics Awards for wellbeing project

Health and wellbeing

08 October 2024

A project by teams from across North Northamptonshire Council has reached the final of Northamptonshire Logistics Awards.

The council’s work at Rothwell Truckstop on the A14 has reached the final in the Health and Wellbeing category.

North Northamptonshire Council has been working with Welcome Break at its Rothwell Truckstop for two years, looking at the health and wellbeing of HGV drivers travelling through the area with wellbeing events held at the Truckstop. Previous events have seen attendees having blood pressure, cholesterol and weigh checks, whilst partners have been on hand to provide information and advice on a variety of topics including diabetes prevention, health and wellbeing and mental health. Attendees also received a small wallet sized card with extra information and details of nationally available resources.

Previous work at the site received national recognition with the work being Highly Commended at the MJ Awards in 2023 and the team have since built on this success with an online event held earlier this year.

Since the online conference, the project has been well received and the team continue to spread awareness of the initiative across the UK, including conversations with the Department for Transport working group and Transport Focus. The Welcome Break Rothwell Truck Stop have also implemented several new initiatives including suicide awareness training for staff, a room on site to promote health and wellbeing of HGV drivers and cycle and walking routes from the site.

HGV drivers are vital in the modern age, but previous surveys have shown that they are exposed to high mental and physical demands with long, unsociable and irregular hours identified as a particular problem. The project NNC are leading on provides a real opportunity to improve the health and wellbeing of drivers using the Rothwell Truckstop, whilst working with other partners and improving the facilities available.

It is great that the team’s work continues to be recognised - congratulations to everyone involved.
Cllr Gill Mercer, the council’s Executive Member for Adults, Health and Wellbeing
This project is a real success story for the council, with national recognition and now reaching the finals of the Northamptonshire Logistics Awards. But it’s not just about the awards, the feedback we have received from HGV drivers and partners has been great with everyone welcoming the support and initiative. There is still a lot more to be done and the team continues to work hard on the project, whilst celebrating the success.Jason Smithers, Leader of the Council

As part of the project, council officers wrote a guest blog for PTSD UK on tackling post-traumatic stress disorder amongst HGV drivers.

The Northamptonshire Logistics Awards takes place on Friday 11 October and North Northamptonshire Council is nominated in the Health Safety and Wellbeing Award.