Railway professionals can now book individual places on two new mental health resilience training sessions being delivered by Paideia Coaching, the professional training arm of Railway Mission.
The half-day sessions will take place in Leeds on 10 September and London on 17 September. They have been introduced to make Paideia Coaching’s specialist railway resilience training accessible to individuals and smaller teams that may not require a dedicated group course.
Usually delivered as a full group booking, the open sessions offer a more affordable opportunity for people working across the railway to develop practical skills for supporting their own wellbeing and responding appropriately to colleagues who may be struggling.
The programme, Railway Resilience: Supporting Yourself and Others, was created following conversations with railway organisations that identified a clear need for industry-specific mental health and resilience training.
Railway employees regularly work in demanding, high-pressure environments and may encounter distressing or emotionally challenging situations. The course has therefore been designed around the realities of railway work rather than taking a generalised approach to workplace wellbeing.
Participants explore practical ways to recognise pressure, maintain personal resilience and provide appropriate support to others. The emphasis is on useful techniques that can be applied in everyday working life.
The programme is endorsed by the Chartered Institute of Railway Operators. Everyone who completes the training receives a certificate recognising its contribution to their continuing professional development.
Holding the sessions away from participants’ normal working environments can help create space for honest and reflective conversations.
The open format also allows attendees to learn alongside colleagues from different parts of the railway. Bringing together people from a range of organisations, professions and operational backgrounds provides opportunities to hear different perspectives and learn from shared experience.
Paideia Coaching was officially launched at Railway Mission’s Parliamentary Reception in October. Its name comes from the Greek word Paideia, referring to lifelong learning and personal development.
At the launch, Minister of State for Rail Lord Hendy and Phil Sherratt, Chief Executive of the Chartered Institute of Railway Operators, recognised the programme’s quality and potential value to the rail industry.
The sessions are delivered by Paideia Coaching Training Lead Andy Mitchell, who has extensive experience supporting individuals and teams to build confidence, capability and resilience.
Andy has worked within complex and high-pressure organisations and understands the particular challenges experienced by railway employees. Before joining Paideia Coaching, he served as a Railway Mission Chaplain.
Andy said:
“Face-to-face mental health training offers real, tangible benefits, including the opportunity to create a safe and supportive learning environment where people can have trust-based discussions about sensitive, real-life topics.
“The course is interactive and practical, with time for reflection and a strong focus on tools and approaches that can help participants respond to the challenging situations they may face in their daily working lives.”
Feedback from the programme’s pilot sessions has highlighted the value of its railway-focused and reflective approach.
Matthew Greenwood of Carlisle Support Services, who attended a pilot session delivered with Northern, described the training as “potentially game-changing”, adding that its format was “refreshing and thought-provoking”.
The open sessions will take place on:
10 September – Leeds
17 September – London
Further details about the programme and how to book are available at www.paideiacoaching.co.uk.
Railway Mission is a registered charity in England and Wales (1128024). A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (06519565)
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