Avanti West Coast supports Network Rail's Brighter Journeys campaign to lift passengers' spirits and champion power of nature for good mental wellbeing.
- Rail industry seeks to make people smile and encourage to seek help during Mental Health Awareness Week
- Campaign hopes to lift spirits amidst rising concerns over impact of pandemic on people’s mental health
- Avanti West Coast joins industry to champion power of nature for good wellbeing
Avanti West Coast, together with Network Rail and the wider rail industry, has joined Chasing the Stigma to support passengers’ wellbeing for Mental Health Awareness Week.
From Monday 9 – Sunday 15 May, the environment of some railway stations will be transformed as part of Network Rail’s ‘Brighter Journeys’ campaign with the sights, sounds, and scents of the outdoors.
Utilising the power of nature to make people feel happier and more connected, the campaign aims to turn stations into positive community areas, as well as signposting to the Hub of Hope – an app run by mental health charity, Chasing the Stigma, that offers support for those struggling.
Passengers at Birmingham New Street will get to experience nature with a sensory installation featuring flowers in bloom, to make the station feel brighter and happier.
By bringing the great outdoors inside, with bursts of colourful flowers greeting passengers as they embark on their journey, it is hoped this will act as a pleasant surprise that will lift people’s spirits and put smiles on their faces.
Elsewhere, until the end of May, those travelling on the West Coast Main Line will be handed paper embedded with plant seeds signposting them to the Hub of Hope app, as well as have the opportunity to hear calming birdsong on the platform.
Research shows that interacting with nature puts people in a more positive mindset and makes them feel more grounded and calm.*
The campaign comes in light of new data which reports that more than a third of adults (35%) said they were ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ worried about the effect of the pandemic on their lives ‘right now’.*
Joanna Buckley, Community Manager at Avanti West Coast, said: “Mental health is important to our people and the communities we serve, and we know it’s the small things that can make a huge difference to our wellbeing. This is why we’re proud to be supporting Network Rail’s Brighter Journeys campaign to champion the power of nature for mental health and help signpost those who are struggling to the support and services relevant to their needs.”
Jack Mills, founder of Chasing the Stigma and Hub of Hope app, added: “It is great to be working with Network Rail on the Brighter Journey’s campaign. Nature is really important for mental health, so we hope commuters enjoy seeing these floral installations and they put a smile on people’s faces. We also hope that this acts as a reminder that no one is ever alone, and mental health support is available at any time, you don’t have to be in crisis to get help. If anyone is struggling or knows someone who needs help, please download the Hub of Hope app.”