Rail station steps up to inspire public

"The best view comes after the hardest climb", "every day is a fresh start" and "always look on the bright side of life" - these are just some of the motivational messages that have gone on display at a Black Country railway station.

Left, Cristiano Mantanga, aged five, of Albert Pritchard School (one of his slogans was used), and in blue, Dave Pickard from Kaleidoscope and station manager Mark Baker

They have been on the 24 steps leading up to the platforms at Dudley Port in a bid to help inspire people who may be feeling in distress.

The project by The Kaleidoscope Plus Group aims to improve people’s wellbeing by giving them a boost and there hopes of it being rolled out to other stations and venues across the region.

The West Bromwich-based charity ran a competition in partnership with Network Rail, British Transport Police, West Midlands Rail and Sandwell Council asking for suggestions of messages.

Now the 24 winners have been chosen and their designs turned into artwork which has been used to decorate each of the steps.

Dave Pickard, The Kaleidoscope Plus Group’s corporate business development and research manager said he was delighted with the messages.

"We had more than 300 entries which was phenomenal and everybody had a story to tell. We asked people to design their step and tell us the reason behind it.

"We had a nine-year-old girl tell us that her dad was always sad all of the time and she would sing 'always look on the bright side of life' to him. It's been really lovely.

"If we can make someone smile or a feel a bit better when they see the steps then that's brilliant," he said.

It’s so important that it is a community effort to look after each other’s health and wellbeing. I really believe that this is only the start," added Mr Pickard.

Richard Godwin of Network Rail added: “The project supports that wider community involvement in addressing mental health and promoting positive wellbeing, and it will not only brighten up the station but will enhance the journey experience for the many passengers who use it.

"This has been an excellent multi-agency approach all working towards one goal and thanks must go to every single person involved for making it happen."