Vicky Binley

Said the following about Railway Mission:

“Dear Rail Staff Awards Committee,

I am delighted to nominate Railway Mission for the prestigious Team of the Year Award. The dedication and unwavering commitment of the Railway Mission team to the welfare of the railway community have not only enriched lives but have also left an indelible mark on the rail industry. Railway Mission's extraordinary achievements make them a compelling choice for this acclaimed recognition.

Railway Mission stands out as a beacon of support, compassion, and unity within the railway industry. Their remarkable contributions go far beyond the call of duty, transforming the lives of railway staff and exemplifying the values of teamwork and service excellence that this award represents.

Compassion and Support Above and Beyond: Railway Mission consistently goes above and beyond in offering emotional and spiritual support to railway staff facing adversity. One notable example is when they provided solace and counselling to a group of employees who had been involved in a traumatic railway accident. Their empathetic approach helped the team cope with their emotional trauma and swiftly return to work, minimising the impact on both the individuals and the company.

Community Outreach that Transcends the Ordinary: The Railway Mission team has demonstrated their commitment to railway communities by organising workshops, events, and seminars. Their tireless efforts significantly improve the mental and emotional well-being of railway employees. For instance, the mental health workshops help with the reduction in reported stress and anxiety levels among railway staff, directly contributing to a safer and more productive work environment.

Emergency Response at its Best: During times of crisis and emergencies, Railway Mission has consistently provided immediate assistance and care to affected railway staff. Their rapid response and coordination ensure that affected railway and BTP employees receive the necessary emotional support, setting a high standard for crisis response within the rail industry.

Following a fatal accident, Gavin Bye, Costain Group Safety, Health and Environment Director said: "The Chaplain’s support in the aftermath of the incident received amazing feedback from the team and was particularly appreciated as we were struggling to get our employee assistance provider to mobilise in the way we expected them to."

Spiritual Well-Being that Makes a Difference: Railway Mission's chaplains have made a profound impact on the spiritual well-being of railway employees. One employee, struggling with a personal loss, shared a touching testimonial about how the chaplain's support helped them find hope and a renewed sense of purpose. This individual went on to become a staunch advocate for Railway Mission's services within the company.

Positive Impact Demonstrated Through Stories: Railway Mission's work has resulted in numerous heart-warming success stories. One such story is that of an employee who was on the brink of quitting their job due to a challenging work environment. Railway Mission's intervention, including mediation between the employee and management, led to a harmonious resolution. Today, that individual is a key contributor to the company's success and attributes their transformation to the Railway Mission team.

Railway Mission's impact on the railway industry is immeasurable. Their tireless commitment to offering compassionate support, fostering community, providing emergency assistance, and enhancing spiritual well-being has created a safer, more cohesive, and harmonious railway environment. They exemplify the values of teamwork, collaboration, and service excellence that the Team of the Year Award seeks to honour.

The Railway Mission team is more than deserving of this award, and I wholeheartedly endorse their nomination. I encourage the committee to recognise their outstanding contributions and the profound difference they make in the lives of railway employees.“