Network Rail has teamed up with mental health charity Chasing the Stigma as part of a new mental health awareness campaign.
To raise awareness for the important cause, the campaign will be touring around England with a huge floral arrangement that spells out 'Brighter Journeys'- the name of their campaign.
The flowers will be on display in London's Liverpool Street station until Wednesday 11 May to mark Mental Health Awareness Week before the display will embark on a national tour across the UK until the end of the month- starting with a stop in Leeds.
From Friday 13 May - Sunday 15 May 2022, the Brighter Journeys flower display will take pride in place of Leeds Train Station before moving onto the likes of Edinburgh Waverley, Birmingham New Street and Cardiff.
The campaign will visit Leeds Train Station this weekend. / Image: Network Rail
The idea is that the flowers will bring smiles to faces whilst "helping make stations feel brighter and happier for your return to the railway", according to Network Rail.
"Brighter Journeys will signpost people to share and download the Hub of Hope app if they or someone they know are struggling with their mental health.
"The app – provided by Chasing the Stigma – is the only service of its kind that brings together all the mental health support options available to someone in any given area."
Such support includes services from the NHS, national charities Mind and Samaritans, as well as a staggering 3,500 registered private, grassroots, third party services, national, local and voluntary schemes across the UK that can assist anyone struggling with their mental health.
Founder of Chasing the Stigma, Jake Mills, outside the Brighter Days sign. / Image: Network Rail
Network Rail's chosen charity partner, Chasing the Stigma, is headed by Jake Mills, an inspiring figure who chose to develop the Hub of Hope app after his a suicide attempt. The charity founder has previously spoken out about the challenges people face when they feel as if they don't have anywhere to turn to.
In a previous press release with Network Rail, Jake Mills has commented on the impact that the pandemic has had on mental health:
"The last 18 months have been tough for so many people and it’s essential that we continue to look out for one another. Breaking down the stigma around mental health, providing tools for early intervention and giving people access to the right support at the right time is vital – it’s the reason why we set up the Hub of Hope and can make such a massive difference.”
New data from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) reports that around 70% of UK adults have said that their mental health has been negatively impacted by the pandemic- including almost a fifth of these participants who described their mental health as poor.
Thousands of commuters will witness the flowers in person this weekend. / Image: Network Rail
Andrew Haines, chief executive of Network Rail, said:
“We must continue to prioritise our mental well-being and support one another as we tackle the various challenges life can throw at us. I care passionately about making lasting changes to support the mental wellbeing of our people and our passengers. We will be making our stations brighter, more positive and friendlier places and making access to support services easier to help vulnerable people find the support they need.”
Anyone who is struggling with their mental health is encouraged to use the Hub of Hope app regardless of whether you're visiting the Brighter Journeys display. The Hub of Hope is free to download and available from App Store, Play Store and via the Hub of Hope website.
Feature Image- Network Rail
Leeds
Popular beer festival showcasing over 35 indie breweries is returning to Leeds this month
Hop City, the long-running beer festival from award-winning Leeds-based brewery Northern Monk, returns this month for its ninth year.
Beer lovers, this one's for you.
Bringing over 35 of the best independent breweries from the UK, Europe and North America together to The Old Flax Store, Hop City will have approximately 250 different world-class beers for guests to try across one weekend of festivities.
The best part? Every pour across the weekend is included in the price of the ticket alongside a Hop City branded glass to enjoy them in, so don't worry about having to continuously reach for your wallet.
Images: Supplied
Joining Northern Monk this year are UK breweries including Brighton’s Beak, Deya from Cheltenham, Manchester-based Track and Edinburgh’s Newbarns who will be pouring next to the likes of US breweries Trillium, Root + Branch, Finback and everywhere; Canadian’s Messorem and Third Moon, and a selection of Europe’s finest indie brewers.
Seriously, this is a beer lover's paradise.
And it's not just about the booze, as joining Hop City 2026 will be joined by Leeds’ own Bundobust who will be bringing their Indian street food alongside Bonehead Fried Chicken and Hermanos Caliente, courtesy of Niko’s Comfort Kitchen.
Images: Supplied
Not a beer fan? Don't fret as natural wine bar Rinse will be pouring all weekend whilst Below Stairs will be providing the cocktails.
Russell Bisset, Founder of Northern Monk, said: “What started out as an idea to host some of our favourite breweries in Leeds has grown into something bigger than we could have imagined. From the beginning, the ambition was clear - to champion the best hop-forward breweries in the world and to create the first beer festival in Europe dedicated to celebrating hoppy beers and IPAs.
"Today, it’s about bringing some of the greatest breweries from across the globe together under one roof, creating something genuinely special for people who love beer as much as we do. Heading into our ninth year with a line-up of this calibre is something we’re incredibly proud of. It’s not just about the beer, but the community, collaboration, and spirit behind it.”
Hop City 2026 will take place from Friday 15 to Saturday 16 of May, and you can buy your tickets here.
A breathtaking giant sculpture of the sun is coming to Yorkshire for the summer
Clementine Hall
A giant model of the sun is set to be illuminated in Wakefield.
The sun is coming to Wakefield… and we’re not just referring to that one that’s popped up in the sky at long last.
We’re taking about Helios, the amazing art installation that’s about to stop off at Wakefield Exchange as it tours around the UK.
Created by renowned artist, Luke Jerram, the beautiful art piece measures a whopping seven-metres in diameter and has been created using images captured by NASA.
Helios builds on the success of Luke Jerram’s previous installations in Wakefield, including the hugely popular Museum of the Moon.
Image: Wakefield Exchange (Press photos)
With its striking scale and rich scientific detail,the artwork provides a safe and captivating way to encounter the Sun up close, highlighting everything from solar flares to the phenomena that created the unforgettable Northern Lights visible across the UK in 2024.
Stepping beneath the breathtaking glowing sculpture, audiences can experience an atmospheric fusion of solar imagery, sunlight and a specially commissioned surround‑sound composition that brings the science and mystery of our nearest star vividly to life.
Alongside the striking sun instillation, Wakefield Exchange will present a full programme of free, family‑friendly, space‑themed activities throughout the summer.
Visitors can enjoy hands‑on workshops, creative crafts, dressing‑up sessions and playful drop‑in experiences.
Helios will be hosted by Wakefield Exchange from Friday 12 June until Sunday 6 September 2026, and you can find out more here on their website.
Sophie Smith -
10th May 2022 
