One of Avanti West Coast‘s has been named a ‘Rail Hero’ at this year’s Railway Benefit Fund‘s (RBF) Heart of Gold Awards, which celebrate those in the rail industry who are making a difference in other people’s lives.

Avanti West Coast Team Leader, Laura Warwick received the prestigious industry award for her efforts in supporting her colleagues, customers, and her local community with their mental health. She also volunteers as an Avanti West Coast Community Champion to support causes that matter most to local people.

Laura’s ‘Rail Hero’ award is just the latest in a list of her achievements, as she was named ‘Unsung Hero’ at the Women in Rail Awards for going above and beyond to support local charities with a focus on mental health, and was shortlisted in the Outstanding Personal Contribution category at the National Rail Awards.

Laura is a Team Leader at Runcorn station and was described as an “absolute inspiration” by the Railway Benefit Fund for her work to squash the stigma associated with mental health, including transforming a waiting room at Runcorn station into a community space where local people can be helped with their wellbeing. She has also saved the life of a woman experiencing a mental health crisis by talking to her and arranging specialist support.

Through her efforts to raise awareness of mental well-being and get people talking, Laura has made connections with local organisations and groups that provide people with regular help and support. Runcorn station’s community space now hosts drop-in sessions by the peer support group It’s Good 2 Talk, weekly events by Age UK, and provides rehearsal space for a Ukulele group.

Reflecting on her achievement, Laura said: “I am beyond thrilled to receive the Rail Hero Award. There were so many deserving nominees and I just want to acknowledge every one of them. They all keep the railway safe – going above and beyond for those who use it.

“I would like to thank the RBF for acknowledging the work I have been doing to support our communities, customers, and people at Avanti West Coast. This award is dedicated to them all, as they’ve all contributed to this incredible journey we’re on to create a space for support and community groups to use that help with loneliness, mental wellbeing, as well as many other everyday issues we may all face at some point in our lives.”

Andrea Thomas, Avanti West Coast Station Manager at Runcorn, said: “Laura has made such a positive difference at Runcorn by creating a safe environment for people to take care of themselves, look out for others and get the support they need. She’s dedicated her time volunteering as a Community Champion to raise awareness of mental health and illustrate it’s the little things that can make a difference. At Runcorn, we’ve seen first-hand the positive impact her efforts are having on those who are struggling.

“Laura’s proactive, compassionate, kind-hearted, and community-minded. We’re incredibly proud of all she has achieved and it’s so brilliant to see she’s been recognised as a hero in the rail industry.”

Jo Kaye, Railway Benefit Fund CEO, said: “Laura truly epitomises our Heart of Gold Awards. Through her community work, she has made a real difference to staff and customers at Runcorn station, and we are delighted to present her with this award.”