A training DVD that describes the difficulties people with mental ill health can have with using public transport is to be launched to bus drivers in Derby later this week.

The DVD, called ‘One in Four People’ is the culmination of 18 months’ work by the Mental Health Action Group (MHAG), a part of Derbyshire Mind. It conveys the message that a compassionate and non-judgemental attitude from bus drivers can make all the difference between them making a successful journey or not.

Watch a promotional trailer for the DVD below:

This training package, which is supported and funded by a number of partners including the Department for Transport, Confederation for Passenger Transport (CPT) and local bus company trentbarton, will be the first of its kind for bus drivers. MHAG became aware of the need for this training following a national survey carried out by its members in 2011.

Its subsequent Mental Health and Public Transport Report has been used to educate transport policy makers. MHAG’s co-ordinator, Niki Glazier, said, “We have been committed to creating a better understanding of this hidden disability which could transform the experience of bus travel for mental health sufferers up and down the country.

“It has been a perfect partnership for us to work with a local bus company which has such a good reputation for customer service. Our friends at trentbarton have been extremely generous with their time and resources and we could not have achieved it without them. It is a great credit to Derbyshire that our partnership has produced this ground-breaking training package for the rest of the UK.”

On Friday, July 4 trentbarton and CPT will host a launch event in the Market Place, Derby from 11.30am. In attendance will be two of trentbarton’s newest buses for the public to view its latest audio visual equipment on board. A statement from transport minister, Baroness Kramer, will also be read out on her behalf at the launch. 

The DVDs and Workbook will available for bus companies to purchase from the CPT from July 4. To order a copy please go to their website: www.cpt-uk.org or telephone 020 7240 3131. Payment will be accepted by cheque or credit card.