The ‘Brighter Journeys’ campaign has been launched by Network Rail in collaboration with national mental health charity Chasing the Stigma

They have launched the campaign in a bid to encourage anyone struggling with their mental health to seek help.

The launch coincides with World Mental Health Day on the 10th of October with the project created in a partnership of Network Rail, the wider rail industry and charity Chasing the Stigma who are committed to normalising mental health.

New research revealed that the rail industry can support people struggling with their mental health and in teaming up with Chasing the Stigma for the ‘Brighter Journeys’ campaign to brighten up stations bringing a more colourful, positive and happier environment as people return to the railway this autumn. 

While working from home had become a normal part of pandemic life, a recent survey by Network Rail shows that people are now getting back to work in the workplace. As people move into new routines following lockdown restrictions lifting, over half of UK adults surveyed revealed that returning to the workplace boosted their mental health and wellbeing and 57% said that it gives a sense of human connection.

The Brighter Journeys campaign will be taking place at a number of stations and intends to welcome back passengers during October.

A vibrant sensory installation was unveiled at London Waterloo on Monday the 4th of October which features glorious bursts of colourful flowers blooming in a nature-inspired soundscape with uplifting poems by James McInerney across in-station media.

The campaign will also be signposting people to share and download the Hub of Hope app if either they are someone they know are struggling with their mental health. The app which is produced by Chasing the Stigma is unique in bringing all of the mental health options available in any given area such as from NHS support and national charities like Mind and Samaritans. The app includes a massive 3,500 registered national and local voluntary, grassroots, private and third sector services with new services being added every day. The Hub of Hope app also features in the Governments Covid-19 Mental Health & Wellbeing Recovery Action plan which can be found on the official NHS.UK website.

The Brighter Journeys campaign has been created with both suicide prevention and mental health experts to offer those struggling with their mental health a way to access support services much earlier in their mental health journey.

CEO and founder of Chasing the Stigma Jake Mills created the Hub of Hope after his own suicide attempt. Jake realised when talking through his own experience that so many people don’t know where to turn to when living with mental health challenges and felt that he could find a way to offer support to others finding themselves in a similar situation to himself.

Jake commented: “As we enter autumn, Brighter Journeys shines an important light on mental health. The last 18 months have been tough for so many people and it’s essential that we continue to look out for one another. Breaking down the stigma around mental health, providing tools for early intervention and giving people access to the right support at the right time is vital – it’s the reason why we set up the Hub of Hope and can make such a massive difference.”

Andrew Haines, chief executive of Network Rail, said: “We must continue to prioritise our mental well-being and support one another as we tackle the various challenges life can throw at us. I care passionately about making lasting changes to support the mental wellbeing of our people and our passengers. We will be making our stations brighter, more positive and friendlier places and making access to support services easier to help vulnerable people find the support they need.”

The Hub of Hope can be accessed through the app via the App Store or Play Store and the Chasing the Stigma website: www.hubofhope.co.uk

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