SWEETIESAL

You may have seen about this on my Instagram but this is such a great concept that I also wanted to talk a little more on here where I have slightly more room to go into detail!

#ITSAWONDERFULLINE is a project by Virgin Trains where they have painted the script of 'It's a Wonderful Life' onto the platforms of 14 train stations across the UK to show how powerful simple acts of kindness can be at this time of year, when there are people who will not be feeling so festive, and also provide information on simple ways to intervene when someone is struggling with poor mental health.

Christmas and the New Year can be particularly difficult when the focus is on being 'merry' especially when you don't feel that way. It can make you feel worse, alienated and lonely and I think the collaboration between Virgin Trains and their Charity Partner, Rethink Mental Illness is really powerful.

For those of you who haven't seen 'It's a Wonderful Life', it is a film about one man’s struggle with a life that hasn’t gone to plan.

Rethink Mental Illness has worked with Virgin Trains since May 2017, training its people in how to deal with mental health issues that they might experience during their working day and in their personal life. This includes encouraging colleagues to talk about mental health, providing best advice on where to seek help and better equipping them to identify and support other people, such as passengers, who might be struggling.

If you or anyone you know is looking for Mental Health advice or support then you can contact Rethink or The Samaritans.

Rethink Mental Illness runs an advice and information service for people who are affected by mental illness. Lines are open 9:30am-4pm Monday to Friday (excluding Bank Holidays) and the number is 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at local rates) or you can email advice@rethink.org.

Anyone can contact Samaritans for free any time from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit, and the number won’t show up on your phone bill. Or email jo@samaritans.org or go to www.samaritans.org to find details of your nearest branch where you can talk to one of their trained volunteers face to face.