Docklands Light Railway (DLR) unveils the world’s first mindfulness train
Ahead of World Mental Health Day 21 – Sunday 10th October, Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and the London based Charity ‘Youmanity’ announced the deployment of the world’s first ’mindfulness’ passenger trains to support passenger wellbeing and mental health.
This ambitious project is supported by Brain Recharge – a self-guided meditation app developed for use on trains and in DLR designated relaxation areas located in Canary Wharf, Tower Gateway, and Woolwich Arsenal DLR stations.
Commuting to or from work can be one of the most stressful times of the day, particularly following a year of individuals working remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In devising and implementing this innovative project, Youmanity recognises that reentering the world of commuting can be nerve-wracking and anxiety inducing and created ‘The ‘Inner Journey’ project to welcome back passengers, offering them quiet spaces to enable them to experience the restorative benefits of mindfulness and meditation.
Director of Thrive LDN, Dan Barrett, said: “The Inner Journey initiative is a great way of helping Londoners to start their journey feeling calmer and more resilient. It is also an innovative way for how we can help encourage each other to talk and act more when it comes to mental health and wellbeing. As we emerge from the coronavirus crisis, this has never been more important.”
Head of Customer Experience, William Layton, added: “Stress and anxiety can become a barrier to travel and independence. Following the disruption experienced during lockdowns, promoting mental health is paramount. Our ‘Inner Journey’ trains and kiosks aim to encourage our passengers to take time to relax and enjoy their commute.”
Twelve modified carriages, drawing on nature inspired scenes of mountains, forests, oceans, and the countryside will pull up at stations serving the entire DLR network. Commuters can download the complimentary Brain Recharge app to access meditation tracks offering a full immersion into nature. Passengers will then be able to (re)connect to themselves and enjoy a moment of calm and restoration whilst on their journey.
Chair of Youmanity, Angelo Iudice., said: “We often forget to pause in our hectic daily routine. Time spent commuting can be time spent on our own inner journey, providing the perfect window to pause and become more aware of ourselves and the space around us. Inner Journey is one of Youmanity’s key projects designed for the benefit of Londoners.”
You can find more information on the Inner Journey at https://mindfulness.youmanity.today/en/
About Youmanity
Youmanity is a registered charity celebrating equality and social inclusion by delivering cultural projects throughout the year. Most notable among these is a prestigious annual Photography Award. Mental health is a key objective of the charity with the ‘Inner Journey’ mindfulness programme being their latest innovative programme supporting rail and bus companies. To date their projects have received the support Amnesty International, the European Commission, the British Council, the Metropolitan Police, and the Royal Photographic Society. Youmanity is run entirely by volunteers.