Avanti make commitment to mental health at Runcorn station

The train company have announced a partnership between themselves and a peer support group in Runcorn, aiming to help the community with their mental health.

They will be offering a dedicated walk-in service at Runcorn station to aid with passengers wellbeing, as well as support sessions focused on the benefits of music to mental health.

Further, two days a week the station’s community room will host sessions delivered by local peer support group, It’s Good 2 Talk. This will aim to provide space, company, resources, and time to help those struggling with their mental health – in what is believed to be the first initiative of its kind on the West Coast.

Nathan James, founder of ‘It’s Good 2 Talk’, said: “It’s a sad truth that many people today don’t have anyone to listen to them about their day, worries, feelings, life stories. Those things are integral to our humanity.

“I’m overwhelmingly grateful to Avanti West Coast, Laura Warwick, and the team at Runcorn for providing this space for people to take time to talk because it’s changing lives.

“Communication through talking, laughing, or crying together brings connections and through connections comes growth, understanding and community.

“I have already met some great people at Runcorn and look forward to meeting loads more.”

Laura Warwick, Avanti West Coast Team Leader at Runcorn, said: “We know it’s the simple things that can make a huge difference to people’s wellbeing, which is why we joined up with It’s Good 2 Talk to create a space for anyone to drop in for a chat, make time for their mental health or connect with others.

“By bringing people together in a safe and welcoming environment we hope to support those who may be struggling to open up, while raising awareness and understanding of mental health. We’ve seen the incredible difference this space has made to many people, and we hope this will help many others, as well as encouraging everyone to take care of themselves.”