For 16 years, Kirstie Knapman has been a dedicated member of Stagecoach South, but her journey has been far more than just driving buses. Now serving as the Health and Wellbeing Champion in Basingstoke, Kirstie’s story is one of resilience, growth, and a commitment to fostering a strong, supportive community. Her journey aligns closely with the Mental Health Foundation’s campaign, Together for Good Mental Health, which emphasises the power of connection and support in improving mental wellbeing.
A Journey That Began with Family and Community
Kirstie’s career at Stagecoach South started thanks to a family connection. Her mother was already working with the company, and after two years of holding her driving license, Kirstie decided to take the plunge into professional bus driving. Just three years into the role, she became a driving mentor, helping to train and support new drivers as they joined the Stagecoach South family, reinforcing the strong sense of community within the organisation.
Overcoming Personal Challenges with Community Support
In 2016, Kirstie faced a deeply personal challenge when she began struggling with her mental wellbeing. Toward the end of that year, she experienced symptoms of Dissociative Amnesia—a condition that caused significant memory loss. One day, after returning from her route, she found herself unable to recall key details of her life, including who her manager was or even recognising her own partner. It was a frightening and disorienting experience.
However, Kirstie’s colleagues at the depot stepped in to support her. They ensured she got home safely and arranged for her to take on different roles within Stagecoach South while she was unable to drive. The management team, whom she describes as “amazing,” provided flexibility with reduced hours, allowing her the time needed to recover and regain her balance. This experience highlighted the importance of community in overcoming life’s challenges—a core principle of the Together for Good Mental Health campaign.
Returning to the Road with the Support of Others
Determined to get back to doing what she loved, Kirstie reached out to the Winchester training school as soon as she was eligible to drive again. Though she initially felt anxious about returning to the road, the encouragement of her colleagues and her passion for serving the community helped her overcome her fears.
Since then, Kirstie has continued to find strength in the support of her colleagues, including her partner Stuart and Operations Manager Kerry Mansfield, who have been a constant source of encouragement and reassurance.
Becoming a Health and Wellbeing Champion
Kirstie’s personal experiences inspired her to take on a new role within the company—Health and Wellbeing Champion for Basingstoke. Drawing from her own struggles and the knowledge she has gained through courses and conversations with therapists, she now supports her colleagues with their mental wellbeing, fostering an environment where people feel safe to talk about their challenges and seek help.
“I don’t want someone going through what I went through,” Kirstie explains. Her goal is to build a workplace culture centred on community, understanding, and support. Her efforts align with Together for Good Mental Health, demonstrating how connection and shared experiences can create a healthier, happier workforce.
A Valued Member of the Stagecoach South Family
Stagecoach South is proud to have employees like Kirstie, who embody the spirit of community and support. Operations Manager Kerry Mansfield shared her admiration, stating:
“Kirstie is an essential member of her team here in Basingstoke, selflessly helping those around her who may be struggling with their mental health. I am personally so proud to see the amazing work she does every day.”
Kirstie’s message to her colleagues is simple but powerful: “I’m right here if you need me.”
Her journey is a testament to the strength of community, the importance of workplace support, and the incredible impact one person can have on the lives of others. By standing Together for Good Mental Health, Kirstie and her colleagues are making a meaningful difference, one conversation at a time.