Mortlake station provides access to mental health support for those in need

On Wednesday 26 November, new Hub of Hope signage was unveiled at Mortlake station. The event was attended by representatives from South Western Railway (SWR), Network Rail, Chasing the Stigma, and councillors Margaret Dane, Alexander Ehmann, Clare Vollum, and Julia Cambridge. 

Councillor Margaret Dane, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames’ Disability Champion, who first proposed the idea, said: “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.

“So many people who are hurting for different reasons often do not know how to start to look for help and suffer because of it. Railway stations and transport hubs are easy locations that passengers and citizens can access themselves, to find resource of help available, improve their quality of life, and address mental health issues.

“This can have far reaching and dramatic results for anyone who may find themselves in need of support or are struggling.  The team has done an exemplary job of bringing this to its fullest potential.”

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.

“We are deeply grateful to Councillor Dane for her advocacy and support in promoting this initiative within her constituency. Together, we are driving meaningful change across the railway network - one station, one community, one person at a time.”

Andrew Coe, Project Manager at Chasing the Stigma said: “Chasing the Stigma are delighted to see the introduction of Hub of Hope signage at Mortlake Station. This vital initiative will continue to help people using the rail network to access over 14,000 mental health services listed on the Hub of Hope.

“With over a million searches for help a year on the Hub of Hope, we're giving more options of hope to people than ever before and ensuring the pathway to mental health support is clear.”

Hub of Hope

Hub of Hope is the UK’s largest database of mental health support services, created by Chasing the Stigma. 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.