The Hub at Wolverhampton Railway Station Helps Community Get Back on Track

A new community wellbeing space—The Hub—has officially opened at Wolverhampton Railway Station, offering free, drop-in support for anyone in need of mental health, housing, social, or wellbeing services.

Launched on Friday 16 May 2025, The Hub is a collaborative initiative led by mental health charity Rethink Mental Illness, in partnership with West Midlands Railway, the University of Wolverhampton, and a range of local charities and public services.

Wolverhampton is only the second city in the UK to introduce a service of this kind in a train station, following Hull.

The Hub provides a haven for individuals to get their life “back on track". Whether someone needs help with housing, mental health, education or just a listening ear, this space offers a vital connection point.

Thomas Harty, security & suicide prevention manager at WMR, said: “The launch of our Safeguarding Hub marks a proud and transformative moment for WMR. 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.

“The success of a similar safeguarding hub in Hull, where they saw a 63% reduction in people arriving at nearby stations in crisis, has been hugely inspirational for our team. 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.”

Railway staff intervene in hundreds of incidents every year, often in moments of crisis. But until now, there’s been nowhere physical to direct someone for ongoing support. The Hub changes that—it’s a safe, welcoming space where people can access real help, right in the heart of the city.

The idea for The Hub was born when Harty approached Chair of the city’s Suicide Prevention Forum, Dr Clare Dickens, offering use of a vacant unit at the station entrance.

Dr Clare Dickens, who is director of student life and safeguarding lead at the University of Wolverhampton, said: “The launch of The Hub is a testament to the power of collaboration and community spirit. 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.” 

“We have a lot of services in the city but very often they can’t afford a city centre base. So 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.

“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.”

“It also gives our student Wellbeing Champions a meaningful base to support the community while gaining valuable real-world experience.”

Lindsey Gooding, head of area at Rethink, said: “Rethink Mental Illness are proud to have been given the opportunity to work alongside WMR, Wolverhampton University, Wolverhampton Public Health and Black Country Healthcare Foundation Trust to turn the vision of ‘The Hub’ into reality.

“With support from our partner organisations, we will provide a ‘one stop shop’ for people to access support around mental health and wellbeing. We want everyone to feel part of a community that cares. To be treated as a whole person. To have access to the right help when needed.”