Our 2024 opening session focusses on mental wellbeing. We discuss the critical issues rail workers face in these uncertain times. Life post-covid seems to be relentless. The cost-of living-crisis has taken hold, and we’re constantly facing challenges at work, whether that be budgets, safety or job security. Our discussion focuses on strategies to foster mental resilience, provide robust support systems, and create a healthier work environment.
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RWL '23 preview - Wendy McCristal and Rupert Lown
Wendy McCristal and Rupert Lown discuss the importance of good mental health, especially for those in lone working roles. They talk about the health challenges especially faced by shift workers and how they can take control of their wellbeing while working long and irregular hours.

Living in the present
Gelong Thubten is a Buddhist monk and author of Handbook for hard times, A monk’s guide to happiness and co-author of How to be human. In this session, he shares how to optimise mental performance through the mindfulness practice of being in the moment. The session explores stress reduction, mental focus and emotional resilience, and provides tools for integrating ‘micro-moments’ of mindfulness into a busy working life.

How the modern world is changing children
Gain insight on how the rapid changes in today's world are influencing children's brains. As technology advances and urbanisation intensifies, children face both unique opportunities and significant challenges. This session will delve into how these factors impact cognitive functions, behaviour, and emotional wellbeing. Prof. Sam Wass discusses how modern technology can affect children’s brains and what parents and carers can do to support children’s attention in the age of constant digital distraction.