West Midlands Railway: Wolverhampton railway station to host week of wellbeing activities to mark World Suicide Prevention Day

West Midlands Railway (WMR) and Rethink Mental Illness have today (7 September) launched a week-long programme of wellbeing activities at the Wolverhampton Mental Health Hub.

Offering one-to-one support, information and signposting, ‘The Hub’ is run by WMR in partnership with Rethink Mental Illness which maintains and staffs the site. In addition to its day-to-day offering, The Hub also offers space to local organisations to host pop-ups and events.

Marking Thursday’s World Suicide Prevention Day, The Hub is hosting five days of activities from Monday to Friday in collaboration with charities from across the Black Country, including poetry performances, gardening workshops, art and music. An exhibition of artwork, poetry and photography will also be on display throughout the week.

Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Paul Singh, attended the launch on Monday alongside representatives from WMR, Rethink Mental Illness, Healthwatch, The Haven and Progressive Play.

Thomas Harty, security and safeguarding manager at WMR, said: “It’s been fantastic to attend today’s launch of Wellbeing Week at The Hub. There are so many amazing organisations involved who will be running workshops, hosting events and offering wellbeing support. We’re thankful to Rethink Mental Illness for bringing these activities to life and for all the charities taking part this week.”

Kirsten Rose, service manager at Rethink Mental Illness, said: “Wellbeing Week at the Hub is about raising awareness and normalising conversations around mental health and wellbeing. The week will be filled with open communication, partnership working, holistic and person-centred support, creativity and most importantly, giving hope to those who need it. Open as a drop-in and safe space for all, we have a week filled with activities and we are honoured to have so many groups and services working with and supporting us.

“We are grateful for all who attended the launch, especially the services who were a part of the event: Healthwatch, Progressive Play, The Haven and my Rethink Mental Illness team. I would also like to thank West Midlands Railway and the staff team at the Co-Op on site for their contributions and continuous support.”

The Hub opened in May 2025 and recorded more than 2,000 visitors in its first year, including dozens of people in crisis who were able to access vital support. It was inspired by the success of a similar safeguarding hub in Hull, which saw a 63% reduction in people arriving at nearby stations in crisis.

To find out more about The Hub at Wolverhampton station, visit wmr.uk/stations/wolverhampton.

You can find out more about Rethink Mental Illness by visiting https://www.rethink.org/.