London Luton Airport (LLA) has been recognised for its approach to promoting the importance of positive mental health and wellbeing across its workforce.

The airport’s Health and Safety team received the prestigious ‘Best Approach to Mental Health and Wellbeing (for a Large Airport)’ award at the 2023 Operations and Safety Awards, run by the Airport Operators Association (AOA), a leading trade association that represents the interest of UK airports.

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Emma Meenan, Head of Health & Safety at London Luton Airport said: “Having good mental health is essential to our emotional, psychological and social wellbeing, affecting our ability to manage stress, relate to others and make healthy choices. This recognition from the AOA is testament to the fantastic work that our team has delivered to raise awareness and encourage open discussion around this hugely important area. We have worked closely with teams across the airport to deliver initiatives that are playing an important role in creating an open, honest and proactive wellbeing culture across the airport.”

The award judges commended LLA for its Health, Safety and Wellbeing strategy that includes a wide-ranging programme of initiatives and activities to support mental health awareness and improved wellbeing across the airport.

Key initiatives include the launch of a wellbeing awareness plan, the increased use of mental health first aiders and the roll-out of several psychological safety initiatives. Wellbeing conversation and stress risk assessment training has also been provided to managers and a refreshment of LLA’s Traumatic Incident Practitioner Training.