South Western Railway (SWR) and Network Rail have unveiled ‘Hub of Hope’ signage at Mortlake station, signposting to local and national mental health services.
Hub of Hope is provided by Chasing the Stigma, one of the UK’s largest mental health charities. The signs at Mortlake station are designed to help those using the station who may be experiencing a mental health crisis or who may just need some support.
Scanning the sign’s QR codes will take users to the Hub of Hope Directory, helping individuals find relevant and clear guidance. As well as helping individuals navigate to the resources that may assist them, the signs offer reassurance, clarity and hope at a moment when they may need it most.
It is also hoped that the easily accessible information and support will help to remove the barriers that may prevent individuals from accessing support.
The Hub of Hope signage was unveiled at Mortlake station on Wednesday 26 November, by representatives of SWR, Network Rail, Chasing the Stigma, and Councillor Margaret Dane, the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames’ Disability Champion, who first proposed the idea.
Councillor Dane’s proposal was initially a local experiment as a way of providing easily accessible information for witness trauma. Working alongside SWR, Network Rail and Chasing the Stigma, the concept has grown to what was unveiled today, and which is hoped to help those in need.
Matt Smith, SWR’s senior security and strategy manager, and Alex Moles, Wessex Route crime lead said:
“The Hub of Hope initiative at Mortlake station shows the railway and the local community coming together to make a difference. We’re proud to be working alongside Councillor Dane and Chasing the Stigma to create a safer, more compassionate environment for our customers.”
Cllr Margaret Dane, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames’ Disability Champion added:
“South Western Railway, in conjunction with the Hub of Hope, Network Rail and other partners have broadened my initial proposal far beyond what I had envisaged. The Hub of Hope signage will include mental health resource information for a wide range of mental health issues, reaching all over the country.”
Image credit: South Western Railway