National Lorry Week is about recognising the people who keep Britain moving, but recognition should not be limited to one week a year.

That belief is why Here All Day CIC has been created and why we are setting our sights on a project as ambitious as a dedicated double-decker welfare bus that will visit truck stops, RDCs, warehouses, ports, depots and logistics hubs throughout the UK.

The bus itself is not the goal. It is simply a tool to help us reach the UK’s truck stops, yards, RDC’s and workplaces with something much bigger – change.  We are replicating the welfare initiatives at Felixstowe Truck Stop on the road, with national outreach.

We will change how our Hi-Viz Heroes are treated, respected, appreciated and rewarded also understanding the impact of people who may be on the autistic spectrum, that we are finding is very common in our sector.  And it starts from the top down – we are going to help the decision makers to see the value of the workforce.

Every day, drivers, warehouse operatives, forklift drivers, machine operators, handballers, planners and transport teams work incredibly hard to keep supply chains moving. Yet many still feel overlooked, unheard or undervalued. The industry has made huge progress in many areas, but there is still more to do when it comes to welfare, wellbeing and recognising the contribution of the people doing the work.

At Here All Day,  we will change the narrative.  The way we speak to people matters. The way managers engage with staff matters. The way businesses show appreciation matters. Small changes in communication, understanding and recognition can have a massive impact on morale, retention and wellbeing and it’s so simple to do.

Through personal observation of over 30 years, we are also recognising something that deserves far more attention. There are significant numbers of people working throughout logistics, transport and warehousing who are living with ADHD, autism, dyslexia and dyspraxia. Many are highly skilled, highly capable and often among the most dedicated people in the workforce, yet they may also process information, feedback and workplace interactions very differently.

What may seem like a passing comment to one person can stay with someone else for days or weeks. A lack of recognition can be felt more deeply. Feeling misunderstood can have a greater impact. Many people internalise challenges rather than talking about them, often leading to stress, anxiety and disengagement long before anyone notices there is a problem. This affects retention and the bottom line of any business.

The good news is that helping people does not have to be complicated. Better understanding, better conversations and a greater awareness of how different people experience the workplace can make a remarkable difference.

That is what Here All Day is all about.

We are bringing together drivers, warehouse staff, and more importantly logistics operators, employers and supporters who believe the people behind the industry deserve more than a passing thank you. We have practical support to  encourage better understanding and help businesses unlock the full potential of their people by recognising their value. We will show industry leaders and the owners how simple change can keep staff happy, engaged and employed.

Follow our social media channels, share our message, talk about the issues that matter and, if you can do so, join of our funding tiers to support our fundraising efforts as we work towards making the Here All Day welfare bus a reality.

Britain depends on the people working in transport, logistics and warehousing every single day. It is time we made sure they feel valued every single day too.

Change is happening, so be a part of it.