Give your rideshare driver a (mental health) lift
9 November 2019 at 12:00 pm
A major Australian rideshare group and comedian Arj Barker are encouraging users to chat with their drivers
In a bid to improve the mental health of its drivers, rideshare company DiDi has joined forces with Movember Foundation to encourage riders to start conversations with drivers during trips.
With most DiDi drivers being male, the company has enlisted the men’s health charity to help launch a number of positive mental health programs for its drivers during November.
Each year, the foundation uses the month of November, or “Movember”, to raise awareness of male health issues such as prostate and testicular cancer, and suicide prevention and mental health by encouraging men to grow moustaches.
Rachel Carr, Movember country director, said the charity wanted to kick-start conversations around the country and to change men’s attitudes on taking action for their health including regular mental and physical health checkups.
Carr said riders could help by having a meaningful interaction with their drivers.
“You can not only brighten someone’s day but will also be helping to tackle social isolation and loneliness,” she said.
“We’re thrilled to team up with DiDi and have the ability to educate thousands of rideshare drivers, and passengers, in the hope they lead healthier, happier and longer lives.”
American comedian Arj Barker has come on board, launching a video series encouraging riders to strike up a conversation with their drivers.
DiDi has also launched several educational features on its driver’s app promoting positive mental health and awareness in collaboration with Movember, and has pledged to donate 10 cents per trip towards the foundation throughout the month, up to $70,000.
DiDi Australia general manager Lyn Ma said he was “extremely proud” to be partnered with the foundation to support their drivers.
“We have a tremendous driver community at DiDi and are extremely proud to have established a partnership with Movember to promote awareness of men’s mental and physical health among drivers and riders on the DiDi platform,” Ma said.
A previous version of this article incorrectly said that Arj Barker is Australian. The article was corrected to say he is American on 12 November.
