Shining a Light on Transport & Mental Health: What Passengers Want Document Management Meera Rambissoon The TAS Partnership Version V1 Prepared by MR Checked by SH Approved by Issue Date 5 June 2018

Summary A Powerful Story to Tell… Why this story? Who feels what Who needs what Passenger suggestions Passenger messages for operators Final thoughts Any questions?

Why This Story? Journeys can be agonisingly painful for some people “Imagine getting on the tube or bus in a real state of panic. You feel pressures people can’t see. Right now 1000s of people are feeling anxious on planes, trains & buses”

Why This Story? Because mental health illness is not a small issue 1 in 4 1 in 5 1 in 6 1 in 10

Why This Story… For Me?

Who Feels What: Passenger Survey Results 80% have experienced mental illness 49% put off from or never use public transport 54% experienced symptoms e.g. panic attack on public transport 8% contacted operator for assistance

Who Feels What: Common Themes Fear, anxiety & worry Control (vs avoidance) Self-esteem & self-confidence Space: known & unknown Energy & rest (breathing & heartbeat)

Who Feels What: Why are People Put Off? Feeling trapped Fear of crowding – people Pressure e.g. time, ticket rush Can’t get to toilet Not having staff on hand to ask for help

Who Needs What: Passengers’ Top Priorities Better communication on day of travel Better ways of communicating needs to operators More detailed info & support on www

Passenger Suggestions Knowing help at hand Certainty/reassurance Clear, accessible information Priority seats Timetabled days Friendly customer service staff

Passenger Messages for Operators Talk to people with mental illness who find travelling difficult Train staff – to support passengers & fellow staff Let’s get transport professionals talking to mental health professionals

Closing Thoughts Passenger wants & needs not that different from what any passenger would want What passengers want = reasonable adjustments – their ‘ramps’ Case of reframing services & service needs within mental health context Next steps – potential TAS initiatives

Any questions? Please get in touch! meera.rambissoon@taspartnership.co.uk