New wellbeing centre at Wolverhampton railway station to help struggling people get their lives back on track

A new community wellbeing space called The Hub has officially opened at Wolverhampton's station, offering free, drop-in support for anyone who may need it.

It offers help and advice about mental health, housing and general wellbeing issues.

The centre is a partnership between mental health charity Rethink Mental Illness, West Midlands Railway and the University of Wolverhampton and a range of local charities and public services.

It is only the second centre of its kind in the UK, after a similar scheme in Hull saw a 63 per cent fall in people arriving at neighbouring stations in crisis.

Thomas Harty, security and suicide prevention manager at West Midlands Railway, 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.

"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.”

He said railway staff intervened in hundreds of incidents every year, often in moments of crisis. 

But until now, there had been nowhere physical to direct someone for support. 

The idea for The Hub came about when Mr Harty approached Dr Clare Dickens, chairman of the city’s suicide prevention forum, offering use of a vacant unit at the station entrance.

Dr Dickens, who is also in charge of safeguarding at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “By providing a space where individuals can access essential services, we are helping to create a supportive environment that addresses the multifaceted needs of our community. This initiative is a significant step towards our goal of suicide prevention and promoting mental health and wellbeing.” 

She said there were a lot of services in the city,  but often they could not afford a city centre base. 

"What this space offers is the ability to bring a physical presence to a location that has the benefit of a very high passing footfall," she added.

“And for someone arriving at the station in distress, it could be a turning point - a place to find hope, support, and a path forward.”

Lindsey Gooding, head of area at Rethink, said: “Rethink Mental Illness are proud to have been given the opportunity to work alongside the rail operator, university, as well as Wolverhampton Public Health and Black Country Healthcare Foundation Trust.

"We want everyone to feel part of a community that cares," she said.