Five charities are teaming up with West Midlands Railway (WMR) to open a ‘Safeguarding Hub’ at Wolverhampton train station.
Rethink, the Samaritans, Railway Children, White Ribbon and the Wolves Foundation are involved in the scheme, which will offer people access to one-to-one support, information and signposting to the relevant organisations and community projects.
Helping vulnerable people in the area
Thomas Harty, security & suicide prevention manager at WMR, said: “This initiative is more than just a facility – it’s a lifeline. Through collaboration with the incredible charities and support services involved, we’re creating a safe space that will positively impact the lives of hundreds of vulnerable individuals in the local area and using our network.
“The success of a similar safeguarding hub in Hull, where they saw a 63% reduction in people arriving at nearby stations in crisis, has been hugely inspirational for our team. Wolverhampton is our busiest station in the region, with over 6.5 million passengers passing through each year, and I’m looking forward to seeing the positive impact Rethink and our other charity partners will have.”
One-stop shop for mental health support
Lindsey Gooding, area head for Rethink, said: “Rethink Mental Illness are proud to have been given the opportunity to work alongside WMR, Wolverhampton University, Wolverhampton Public Health and Black Country Healthcare Foundation Trust to turn the vision of ‘The Hub’ into reality.
“With support from our partner organisations, we will provide a ‘one stop shop’ for people to access support around mental health and wellbeing. We want everyone to feel part of a community that cares. To be treated as a whole person. To have access to the right help when needed.”
