Pamela’s Story of Community, Courage, and Connection

At Stagecoach, we know that mental health is just as important as physical health and that when we come together as a community, we create the kind of support that truly changes lives. Pamela’s journey reminds us how vital connection, compassion, and belonging are for our well-being, especially when life takes an unexpected turn.

Pamela, a bus driver at our Worthing Depot, started her career in a very different space, hairdressing. For over 20 years, she styled and cared for others, before making a bold change. “I saw a woman driving a bus one day and thought—I’d love to do that.” That moment of inspiration led her to join Stagecoach, where she’s now been driving for six years.

But not long into her new career, Pamela received a diagnosis that turned her world upside down, triple negative breast cancer, an aggressive and fast-moving disease. “It was a shock. I didn’t know how to react,” she says. “The next day, I came to work. And that’s when I realised just how strong my community was.”

Her managers, colleagues, and friends at the depot rallied around her—not just with kind words, but with real, meaningful support. “Mike, my manager, was so understanding. Colleagues visited me on chemo days, messaged to check in, and kept me feeling part of the team. That support meant everything. It helped keep my mind strong.”

While cancer took a toll on her physically, it was the mental and emotional battles—fear, uncertainty, loss of confidence—that she says were some of the hardest parts. “At times I was depressed, anxious. I questioned everything. But being part of this community reminded me who I was. Driving again made me feel alive.”

After coming through this experience, Pamela gave back. She and her colleagues ran a moving campaign for Macmillan, speaking with passengers and raising funds of £736.71 for breast cancer awareness in Worthing and Brighton. “People came up to me and shared their own journeys. I was blown away. It reminded me I wasn’t alone.”

When chemotherapy unexpectedly affected her heart, Pamela temporarily lost her driving license. That setback hit her hard. “I was devastated. But again—my team didn’t let go. They reminded me it was just a phase, and they supported me all the way back.”

She’s since undergone multiple surgeries, including a double mastectomy and hysterectomy. Genetic testing revealed a cancer gene, meaning ongoing monitoring—but Pamela is standing strong. “I don’t know what the future holds, but I know this, I’m not doing it alone.”

Pamela’s story shows what’s possible when mental health is supported not just by professionals—but by people. By colleagues. By community.

“Coming into work doesn’t feel like leaving home—it feels like coming home again,” she says. “That’s what good mental health support looks like.”

Why Pamela’s Story Matters

In line with the Mental Health Foundation’s campaign “Together for good mental health,” Pamela’s journey is a powerful reminder that community care can be a lifeline. Whether it’s a small check-in message or just sitting beside someone during a tough time, we all have a part to play in building a mentally healthier world.

Together, we are stronger. Together, we heal. Together, for good mental health.

Need support?
Find resources, advice, and ways to get involved at mentalhealth.org.uk.