National mental health support organisation OzHelp Foundation has launched Share the Load, the first podcast mini-series for its truck driver aid program Health in Gear.
With the prevalence of mental health conditions and high rates of suicide, Share the Load aims to promote connection, discuss key industry issues and challenges, and inspire ideas from drivers, for drivers, on ways to feel healthier and happier while on the road.
“The podcast series aims to reach a wider audience within the truck driving community, whilst being able to share some great tips, advice and research on ways we can support truck driver’s health and wellbeing,” said Darren Black, Chief Executive Officer of OzHelp.
“The podcast series will add to the many resources drivers can access through Health in Gear while they are on the road. These resources include health tips and tools, phone support and Truckie Tune Up health checks which are piloting across Queensland and New South Wales over the coming months,” Black said.
Hosted by OzHelp Wellbeing Support Officer Frank Arsego, Share the Load will be featuring stories from well-known Australian truck drivers, including Glenn “Yogi” Kendall, Tony “tones” Fulton and Lyndal Denny.
The first two episodes are now live and are available from all good podcast platforms, including Spotify and Apple Podcasts, with more to be released over the next four weeks.
Australia Post is also similarly boosting support for posties and delivery drivers, with a focus on safety.
The parcel delivery company is encouraging communities to help keep posties and delivery drivers safe with the launch of a new campaign centred on dog safety.
The Dog Safety Week campaign will see households across the country receive postcards in their letterboxes that encourages residents to protect their pets, their posties and their neighbourhood.
“Safety is our number one priority at Australia Post but each year too many of our people are injured by unsecured dogs,” said Rod Barnes, Executive General Manager Deliveries at Australia Post.
“Even the cutest and most mild-mannered dog can have strong protective instincts and pose a threat or safety concern if it’s not secured, and our people simply cannot deliver if it’s unsafe, which can then delay the delivery for the customer,” Barnes said.