#ItsAWonderfulLine

Sunday, December 16, 2018
It's almost Christmas and for some, myself included, it can be a very difficult time, not just in terms of money, gift buying or stress but mental health issues as well. Thankfully the topic of mental health is becoming more widely discussed and 'mainstream', if you can describe it in that way so I'm very glad that such a prolific company, Virgin Trains, is talking about these issues in a very public and visible way as mental health issues aren't something that should be only spoken about in hushed tones or in a medical setting but by everyone and anywhere.

Virgin Trains launched their #ItsAWonderfulLine campaign at the beginning of the month with their charity partner, Rethink Mental Illness. The campaign is focused around a classic American Christmas film, It's A Wonderful Life, which I haven't actually watched but I need to now. The film contains themes of hope, love, family and redemption as well as one mans struggles with his life not going as he planned, which I think most of us can relate to on some level. It also shows that one of the best gifts you can give someone this Christmas, is just being there for them.
With permission from Paramount, lines from the classic film have been painted next to the yellow line on train platforms along the length of the country, from London to Glasgow. The text on all of the platforms will also include links to simple ways you can help someone who is struggling with their mental health. The closest platform to me that is taking part is Manchester Piccadilly but there are so many others including Liverpool Lime Street, London Euston, Preston, Birmingham and finally Glasgow, among others.

My favourite thing about this campaign is the simple acknowledgment that so many people do suffer with their mental health in numerous ways, it affects us all in one way or another, and especially at this time of the year. Last Christmas was fine for me (more than fine actually) but the Christmas before was horrendous in terms of my mental health and being on the pill made everything so much worse for me personally. Anxiety and depression aren't fun at any time of the year but it is somehow magnified during the festive period when everyone is expected to be social, happy and full of Christmas cheer. That isn't the case for some and that's ok.

There are so many worthy charities out there but I think that mental health charities are of paramount importance during the Christmas and New Year period and I'm so glad that a mental health campaign is so visible this year with Virgin Trains and Rethink Mental Illness. I love the message of this campaign whereby the discussion and acceptance of mental illness, as a topic that needs to be spoken about and acknowledged, but also that we should help those around us who are suffering, not just this Christmas but the rest of the year too.

Rethink Mental Illness is a charity providing mental health services in England; they train employees, employers and members of the public on how to support someone suffering with their mental health. Their phone lines are open Monday to Friday on 0300 5000 927 or you can email them: advice@rethink.org. Additionally, you can contact Samaritans for free at any time on 116 123. You can also message me on any of my social media platforms. 

What do you think of this campaign? Have you seen the #ItsAWonderfulLine quotes on a platform near you?

*This is a collaborative post
*Images from Virgin Trains 

14 comments

  1. This is lovely, I love It's a Wonderful Life!

    Jenny
    http://www.jennyinneverland.com

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  2. There isn't a virgin line near me sadly! This sounds like a great campaign, I wish I lived closer to one to take a look myself x

    Sophie
    www.glowsteady.co.uk

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  3. This is such a wonderful idea and until a few people had mentioned it on their blogs and social media, I hadn’t heard of it as a campaign x

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  4. It's such an incredible concept! I've seen a few bits about it and I am so impressed!

    Erin || MakeErinOver

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  5. Such an important campaign! Thanks for sharing Heather xo

    Char | www.charslittleblog.co.uk

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  6. How lovely is this, and so nice too x

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  7. What a fantastic campaign. This time of year can be so lonely for some people.

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  8. This is such an amazing campaign, I also love It's A Wonderful Life!

    Love, Amie ❤
    The Curvaceous Vegan

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  9. This is such a great campaign, it's amazing when companies make an effort to address issues

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  10. This is such an amazing campaign! What a great idea!

    http://littlemissmelanie.com

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  11. This is a great campaign. It’s so good to see more companies raising awareness for mental health.

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  12. I think that this is the most wonderful campaign!

    Danielle xx
    https://www.fashionbeautyblog.co.uk/

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