BUS drivers in Southampton are getting into the festive spirit by sporting Christmas jumpers this December in aid of a Hampshire mental health charity.

Bluestar workers are raising money for the operator’s corporate charity, Solent Mind - and pulling on the seasonal sweaters is their latest fundraising initiative.

Some are even adding a touch of tinsel or festive accessories, much to the delight of passengers on their frequent services across the city, and to Totton, Hythe, Calmore, Fair Oak, Eastleigh and Winchester.

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Drivers will also be joined on board their buses by representatives from Solent Mind on Thursday (December 15).

Fundraisers will be handing out festive treats to passengers and collecting for the charity on services between 11am and 3pm.

"Our drivers are a festive bunch and are donning colourful Christmas jumpers on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays throughout December in aid of this very worthy cause," said Bluestar general manager, Richard Tyldsley.

“We thought this would be the perfect time to show our support for Solent Mind. The charity provides trusted mental health services to our community, ensuring anyone who has a mental health issue has somewhere to turn to for advice information and support.

"Those living within our local community have relied upon the charity’s support even more over the past three years - particularly at Christmas-time - and I know our drivers will be wanting to raise as much money as possible for this vital service."

Bluestar colleagues nominated and voted for Solent Mind to be their chosen charity for 2022 at the start of the year. One of their single-decker buses was then decorated with information about the charity and the support it offers, including ways to donate or contact the support line. It aimed to help people feel comfortable talking openly with others about their mental health during their travels.

A total of 40,000 people are supported by Solent Mind every year. A further  4,000 children and young people at local schools also receive mental health education from the charity, which has a head office on The Avenue in Southampton and various services across the county.

 

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