Thameslink has announced that they are supporting a creative 22-year-old to spread a positive message about mental health.

Alice Billington, based in Bournemouth, has decorated a cow sculpture with flowers, butterflies and the human form to convey the path to wellbeing.

The sculpture will be part of the art trail around Cambridge to attract visitors to the city, which is running from March 30th to June 6th.

Her design was painted onto the cow after she won a competition held by Thameslink, the Official Travel Partner of the Cows about Cambridge art trail, in partnership with the operator’s corporate charity and national mental health charity Mind.

Govia Thameslink Railway announced it would be partnering with Mind for two years as one of its three corporate charity partners, and Mind was nominated and voted for by staff from across GTR’s Southern, Great Northern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express lines.

As part of the design competition, Thameslink donated the miniature cow sculpture to Mind, so that the charity’s members could create its design.

Thameslink will also have two of its life-size cows on display as part of the art trail, which is designed to highlight attractions, events and things to do in Cambridge.

What did the officials say?

Library assistant Alice, who enjoys creating art in her spare time, said:

“I was surprised to win. It’s really exciting to have my design brought to life and then to be able to go and see it and for others to see it.”

 

“In a lot of my drawing, I often use symbolic things like flowers combined with a human figure to reflect how I’m feeling. I also read a quote recently along the lines of the difference between knowing when you are mentally well or unwell is movement, in every sense of the word. And that rang true for me, so with the butterflies and with the flowers growing, it’s all coming back to the idea that to stay healthy is in some ways about keeping some kind of hopeful movement in your life.”

 

“This was in many ways because a year ago I had the worst depressive episode of my life and it was really difficult to find a way to keep going. What I often felt I lacked when seeking help was feeling validated and feeling like someone took on how bad I was feeling. So, I wanted to help be part of a charity that can help do that for others, it all starts with feeling validated.”

GTR’s Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Charlotte Scallon said:

“The importance of good mental health is paramount for our staff and customers, alike, so we are pleased to be working with Mind’s membership on this project with Cows about Cambridge. I am really impressed with Alice’s uplifting design, and her passion for supporting others facing mental health challenges.”

Kate Parks, Membership Officer at Mind, said:

“This was a great opportunity for our members to get creative and be involved with our partners. We’re excited to see Alice’s design come to life on the trail.”

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