West Midlands Railway launches mental health charity hub in Wolverhampton station

West Midlands Railway (WMR) and mental health charity, Rethink Mental Illness, have announced the launch of ‘The Hub’ at Wolverhampton Railway Station.

From Monday (May 19), Rethink and several other charities will jointly open a new facility to offer services for people in need of additional support and guidance. Located next to the Costa Coffee branch at Wolverhampton Station, WMR has partnered with the charities to offer use of the unit for free.

Rethink will work with local charities and authorities from across Wolverhampton and the Black Country to utilise ‘The Hub’ for a range of support services. People will be able to access one-to-one support, information and signposting to the relevant organisations and community projects.

While the space is being used by alternative groups, Rethink will be open from its Sanctuary Hub on Salop Street, which is a 15-minute walk from the station.

‘The Hub’ was officially launched today (Friday 16 May), as part of Mental Health Awareness Week. WMR, Rethink and charities including The Samaritans, Railway Children, White Ribbon and the Wolves Foundation came together to celebrate this new facility.

Thomas Harty, security & suicide prevention manager at WMR, said: “The launch of our Safeguarding Hub marks a proud and transformative moment for WMR. 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.”

Lindsey Gooding, head of area at 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.”