London Southend Airport Terminal Tours supported by SECE Mind
This August, London Southend Airport welcomed members of the public into the terminal for dedicated tours to support mental health and anxiety. As airport charity partner, South East and Central Essex Mind were on hand throughout the day alongside fellow charity, Canine Concern.
The free Terminal Tours allowed visitors the opportunity to experience the full passenger journey, from check in and central search, to departures and arriving back through Border Force.
New safety measures were well received with guests reporting that they felt at ease throughout. For anxious attendee’s, SECE Mind and Canine Concern were on hand offering support and information.
Some great feedback was received:
100% of attendees said they would feel confident travelling from London Southend Airport
The new safety measures scored highly with feedback including; ‘Perfect, I felt at ease and comfortable the entire time I was there’ and ‘Well thought through. Certainly gave me confidence to travel.’
Guests described London Southend Airport as “Amazing!!”, “Ideal” and “Friendly, efficient and from experience a joy to travel from.”
SECE Mind is a mental health charity whose mission is to ensure everyone susceptible to or experiencing mental health issues is given all the help, support and guidance needed to enable them to cope more easily and effectively. The airport announced a two-year partnership which will include dedicated focus on community support with a calendar of activities scheduled, airport employee mental health awareness and fundraising campaigns.
Canine Concern is a charity which provides care dog visits to those who may benefit from the service, such as those suffering from anxiety or mental health difficulties.
The medical profession endorses findings that dogs can bring comfort to those vulnerable to mental health and anxiety. Therapy dogs can help even the most nervous of fliers regain their confidence and the airports four-legged friends will roam the terminal once more to offer a friendly stroke or a furry cuddle.
The tours build on the airport’s strong foundations of customer service and support such as its blue band scheme, whilst aligning with its Connecting Communities commitment.
We are looking forward to continuing our work with London Southend Airport.
Details of the airports Connecting Communities commitment are available via southendairport.com and advice and information regarding mental health and local services can be found on our website secemind.org.uk
You can find out more about LSA: