Award for mental health project

The ‘Wellbeing on Wheels’ bus offers a welcoming environment in which to discuss issues. Sessions are held in different locations around the county.

A mental health scheme launched in Brechin this year has won recognition for its work across the county and its partnership between business and the charity sector.

Stagecoach East Scotland’s ‘Sams Wellbeing on Wheels’ won bronze in the ‘Bus and the community’ category of the UK Bus Awards.

The project, which was launched at Brechin Community Campus in September, is a partnership between Stagecoach, the Co-op, and mental health organisations Scottish Assocation for Mental Health (SAMH), MIND and Inspire.

It provides locals across the county with access to weekly drop-in sessions designed to boost mental health.

The sessions are held aboard a specially-branded Stagecoach East Scotland bus and offer peer-led support from SAMH-employed mental health practitioners who bring direct experience of mental health issues and recovery.

No appointments or referrals are necessary although attendees should be over 16.

With funding from the Co-op National Charity Partnership, the service is brought into the centres of Brechin, Arbroath and Forfar.

There are also additional ‘Wellbeing Pit Stop’ services held in Kirriemuir and Carnoustie, which provide the same service as the onboard facility but in an indoor setting.

Overall, Stagecoach's performance saw the company pick up a total of 20 awards overall - seven gold, six silver and seven bronze.

Carla Stockton-Jones, UK Managing Director for Stagecoach said: "At such a challenging time for our customers and the bus sector, it’s great to see the fantastic recognition for the hard work of Stagecoach Bus teams around the country.”

The bus is available at the following locations and times: Brechin - Tuesdays between 9.30am – 12.30pm at Brechin Co-op; Arbroath - Tuesdays between 1.30pm-4.30pm at Arbroath Bus Station; Forfar - Thursdays at 9.30am-2.30pm at Forfar Community Campus; Carnoustie - Thursdays at 10am-12pm at Co-op, 3 High Street; Kirriemuir - Thursday at 3pm-5pm at the Guide Hall, 43 Roods.