On Tuesday 23 April, fourteen people travelled by train from Broxbourne to Hertford Castle on a ‘social prescribing’ wellbeing trip.

The New River Line Community Rail Partnership worked with train operator Greater Anglia to arrange the day out aimed at improving participants’ wellbeing and mental health.

The railway organisations partnered with Hoddesdon and Broxbourne Social Prescribing Group, which connects people with local services to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

Hertford Castle is one of the event venues that Greater Anglia is recommending visitors get to by train this year.

The New River Line Community Rail Partnership aims to promote rail travel along the Broxbourne-to-Hertford East rail line.

It supports local projects, which it develops in partnership with local businesses and community groups, and with Greater Anglia.

Earlier this year, it was shortlisted for an award for its refurbishment of the waiting room at St Margaret’s station.

“Most of the people in the group had not travelled by train for many years and only a couple had visited the castle, so it was great to be part of improving social inclusion and wellbeing in our community and promote the ease and value of rail travel for a great day out.”

Katie Goldthorpe, New River Line Community Rail Partnership Officer

“We are very grateful to the New River Line Community Rail Partnership for the great work they are doing to promote social inclusion and sustainable travel – it’s one of the ways in which the railway in East Anglia can deliver social value back to the communities we serve.”

Alan Neville, Greater Anglia’s Customer and Community Engagement Manager