Free one-to-one therapy sessions and a 24/7 helpline are being offered by Heathrow to nearby villagers who face being impacted by its government-backed plan for a third runway.
The airport has launched the mental health support service for residents as it acknowledged that “years of uncertainty around expansion has created anxiety” in the local community.
The airport’s owners – Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL) – plan to build a full-length, 3,500-metre runway, which would see around 750 homes facing demolition and require the M25 motorway to be moved.
Last month, residents in Longford, which directly borders Heathrow’s Terminal 5, told The Independent they felt trapped by the plans, with those wanting to move now unable to “sell at a decent price”.
There remains a great deal of uncertainty, with the government currently consulting on two plans: Heathrow’s own plan and an alternative proposal from hotel tycoon Surinder Arora for a 2,800-metre runway that would not involve moving the motorway.
In a letter sent by Heathrow to “community stakeholders” and seen by The Independent, the airport said it had set up “your wellbeing support service” to provide free mental health support for people living within the compulsory purchase zone.
The airport-funded service gives access to a 24/7 helpline, personalised counselling, focused one-to-one therapy sessions and cognitive behavioural therapy. Mobile apps and online courses are also available for residents to “get support at their own pace”.
The letter added that the service is independently run by a group with a team available “to support residents to help navigate the personal and emotional pressures that can arise during periods of change.”
Becky Coffin, Heathrow’s director of communities and residential property, said: “We know that years of uncertainty around expansion has created anxiety among the local community, which is why we are funding free access to confidential and independent mental health support for those most affected.
“We acknowledge that the coming years will be incredibly difficult for some, and this support is part of our commitment to be a better neighbour.”
In November last year, transport secretary Heidi Alexander announced her preference of the two options was a full-length runway. Heathrow’s scheme is estimated to cost £33bn, including £1.5 billion to move the M25.
It would see Heathrow’s capacity increase to 756,000 flights and 150 million passengers per year.
The launch of the mental health service has drawn further criticism of the project from campaigners.
Paul McGuinness, chair of the No 3rd Runway Coalition, told the The Independent: “The launch of this service tells you all you need to know about the complexities of trying to push forward with this doomed project.”
The group claims that the third runway will increase noise pollution, lead to the destruction of hundreds of acres of green belt land and increase nearby road congestion.
Andy Burnham, who is likely to replace Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister in three weeks, has previously expressed concerns over the planned expansion, stating the plans divert infrastructure investment “away from the North and traps it in London”.
However, chancellor Rachel Reeves said last year that she was determined to get “spades in the ground” for the third runway in the current Parliament and for it to be built by 2035.
