We recently shared in our newsletter that we had launched a regular Wellbeing Walk, designed to help young people enjoy nature, make new friends, and share their stories. These weekly walks have been going really well — and this week, the group was able to go a little further afield, thanks to the support of Worcestershire Community Rail.
Many of the young people we support tell us that using public transport can be a real challenge. For those with low confidence or mental health struggles, or for young parents managing large pushchairs, even short journeys can feel daunting. This often leaves them feeling cut off from friends and opportunities, and sadly, many tell us they feel isolated and alone.
That’s why we are so grateful to Hayley Cartwright, Worcestershire Community Rail Officer, who stepped in to help. Hayley has supported The Basement Project in a previous role, and when she kindly offered our young people free rail tickets and guidance on using the trains, we jumped at the chance. Thanks to her support, our regular Walk and Talk group was able to hop on a train and enjoy a day exploring Worcester.
Hayley went above and beyond — not only arranging the tickets but also planning the route, carrying out a test run to check accessibility, and accompanying the group on the day. She guided parents on how to board with pushchairs, answered questions, and offered reassurance throughout the journey.
For many of the group, this was the first time they had been able to explore a city that, despite being just a short distance away, had previously felt out of reach. With Hayley’s help, they now feel confident to make the journey independently — gaining not just a fun day out, but a valuable life skill that will benefit them and their children for years to come.
A heartfelt thank you to Hayley and Worcestershire Community Rail for making this possible.