During Mental Health Awareness Week, the railway industry will seek to make people smile and encourage help-seeking behaviour through a “Brighter Journeys” campaign.

Brighter Journeys is a joint campaign between the rail industry and the mental health charity, Chasing the Stigma, that will grace the concourses of Britain’s railway stations as a way of making them brighter and happier community hubs.

It aims to support passengers’ wellbeing as they return to the railway now that Covid restrictions have been lifted.

Throughout the campaign bursts of colourful flowers in bloom will greet passengers at stations.

The aim is that these sensory installations act as a pleasant surprise to lift people’s spirits and put smiles on their faces as they head to work, or for days out with their family.

Brighter Journeys will signpost people to share and download the Hub of Hope app if they, or someone they know, are struggling with their mental health. The Hub of Hope, which is provided by Chasing the Stigma, is a free app that connects people to over 4,000 mental health support services and groups across the UK.

The sensory installation will be on display at the following stations:

• London Liverpool Street, 9th to 11th May; on 9th May, Pure will be providing vouchers for free coffee, and from 4-6 pm on 10th May, Neal’s Yard Remedies will hand out free samples of some of their best-selling products
• Birmingham New Street, 9th and 10th May
• Stevenage, 12th and 13th May
• Leeds, 13th to 15th May
• East Croydon, 15th and 16th May
• Edinburgh Waverley, 17th to 19th May
• Cardiff, 18th and 19th May

Rupert Lown, chief health and safety officer at Network Rail, said:

“We recognise that life since the pandemic is difficult for many people, with many challenges yet to be overcome. We hope that by running this campaign, we are bringing happiness and cheer to many passengers as they go about their daily lives, reminding them to take a pause and have a moment to connect with nature. And if they are struggling, the Hub of Hope is a great resource which offers a range of support services in their local area.”

Jake Mills, founder of Chasing the Stigma and Hub of Hope app, added:

“It is great to be working with Network Rail and the wider rail industry on the Brighter Journeys 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.”