South Western Railway is powered by people. Every journey, every station, and every customer interaction is shaped by colleagues who bring dedication, empathy, and resilience to their roles. That’s why supporting their wellbeing is a core part of who we are.
Throughout the year, we run a wide range of wellbeing activities designed to help colleagues pause, reflect, and feel supported both at work and at home. These moments of connection reinforce a simple truth: when our people thrive, our railway thrives.
Creating Space to Connect
Across our network, we regularly host sessions that encourage colleagues to slow down and check in with themselves and each other. Whether it’s sharing a cup of tea with volunteers from partner organisations or taking a quiet moment during a busy shift, these opportunities help build a culture where people feel seen, valued, and supported.
Practical Health Support That Makes a Real Difference
We offer a variety of health and wellness events that give colleagues access to meaningful, practical support. These sessions often include:
- Cholesterol, blood glucose, and blood pressure checks
- Healthy food tasting and nutritional guidance
- Stress management and musculoskeletal health advice
- Sleep and fatigue awareness
- Cancer awareness events
- Drug and alcohol awareness sessions
Health and Wellbeing Practitioner Sheree Whetren shared:
“Everyone had the chance to check in on their wellbeing, with testings for cholesterol, blood glucose and blood pressure as well as picking up fresh fruit, trying cholesterol‑friendly drinks, and grabbing some LoSalt sachets to help support healthier choices.”
These events empower colleagues with knowledge about their health and give them practical tools to make positive changes.
Supporting Mental Health and Building Resilience
Wellbeing is more than physical health — it’s emotional wellbeing too. We continue to strengthen the support available to colleagues navigating difficult or challenging moments.
Our TRiM (Trauma Risk Management) programme provides confidential support following direct or indirect involvement in traumatic incidents — an essential service in an industry where such events can occur.
Occupational Health Technician Laura Treadway explains:
“We offer trauma support to our SWR employees following traumatic incidences which sadly are an occurrence on the railway.”
We’ve also expanded our mental health support by introducing in‑house training for colleagues to become Mental Health First Aiders. This ensures we have trained, approachable people across the business who can offer early support and signpost colleagues to further help when needed.
Championing Physical Wellbeing Through the Active Hub
To help colleagues stay active in ways that suit them, we offer exclusive access to the Active Hub, a year‑round home for movement, motivation, and connection.
The Active Hub includes:
- A non‑stop calendar of solo and team challenges
- Flagship events that bring colleagues together
- Opportunities to support charities through activity
- Rewards and incentives, including the Active Trees programme
- In‑person events such as walking clubs and football tournaments
It’s designed to inspire colleagues to move more, connect more, and enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle.
We also support physical wellbeing through health assessment discounts and gym membership offers, making it easier for colleagues to prioritise their health.
Honouring and Remembering Together
Each year, we take time to reflect and remember colleagues we’ve lost. Events such as the MiND Memorial Tree bring people together in moments of unity and compassion — a reminder that wellbeing includes caring for our community as a whole.
A Workplace Where Wellbeing Truly Matters
These initiatives are just a snapshot of the many ways we support our people. Whether it’s a health check, a conversation over a cup of tea, a resilience‑building programme, or a moment of reflection, each activity reinforces our commitment to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, supported, and cared for.
Wellbeing isn’t a one‑off event for us. It’s an ongoing promise to listen, to support, and to make sure every colleague has what they need to thrive.
