RAIL SECTOR CELEBRATES WELLBEING CHAMPIONS AS HEALTH SHIELD EXTENDS AWARDS PARTNERSHIP
Health Shield Friendly Society is marking the third year of its partnership with the Railway Benefit Fund’s Heart of Gold Awards, an annual celebration recognising individuals and teams who have made outstanding contributions to the rail industry.
Now in their seventh year, the awards have become a fixture in the sector’s calendar, shining a spotlight on colleagues who improve the working lives of others. Health Shield sponsors the Wellbeing Champion award — a category that acknowledges individuals who consistently go above and beyond to support the mental and physical wellbeing of those around them.
Founded in 1877 to support UK railway workers, Health Shield has evolved into a national provider of employee health benefits, including health cash plans and workplace health screening services. Yet its roots remain tightly connected to the rail community, a relationship that continues to shape its corporate purpose.
Jacqui Carr, CEO of Health Shield, said: “We are proud of our longstanding partnership with Railway Benefit Fund which plays a vital role in supporting the wellbeing of railway workers and their families.
“With our shared railway heritage, it has been a privilege to collaborate on initiatives that positively impact the railway community. It’s an opportunity to shine a light on those who are making a remarkable difference.”
The Wellbeing Champion award has become one of the event’s most meaningful categories, reflecting the increased priority placed on mental health across the rail sector. Last year’s winner, train driver Ian Watson, received the award following his efforts to support colleagues and the public after witnessing a fatal incident while driving a service.
Watson subsequently trained as a Mental Health First Aider, set up TransPennine Express Chatty Benches to encourage conversation among passengers, and helped establish new local chapters of Andy’s Man Club, a suicide prevention charity.
Reflecting on his recognition, Watson said: “It was a privilege to be nominated for the Heart of Gold Award sponsored by Health Shield for raising awareness of Andy’s Man Club as well as encouraging people to talk.
“There were a lot of excellent nominations. To then win the award and be recognised for raising awareness of mental health and trying to get people to openly talk and break that stigma surrounding mental health was very heart-warming.
“I can’t emphasise the importance and power of talking. For someone in need, that step seems like a mountain to overcome, but once you’ve taken it, you’ll never look back.”
Both Health Shield and the Railway Benefit Fund are based in Crewe, a historic railway town where the two organisations once shared office space. Their collaboration extends beyond the awards: Health Shield regularly fields a team at the RBF annual golf day and hosts events for retired rail workers at its headquarters.
This year’s Heart of Gold Awards will take place on 26 November, where Health Shield will once again help judge the entries and present the Wellbeing Champion award.
Jacqui Carr added: “We see inspiring stories of so many people who are making a meaningful difference. It is the hardest decision we have to make every year as there are so many worthy winners.”
Jo Kaye, CEO of the Railway Benefit Fund, said: “We’re grateful to Health Shield for the team’s continued support for the Heart of Gold Awards.
“What makes these awards special is that they come straight from the heart of the rail community.
“It’s not a committee decision, it’s our front-line staff celebrating and uplifting their colleagues, a direct way for everyday heroes to say ‘thank you’ to those who make a real difference in our workplace.”
