A piece of artwork has been unveiled at Bidston railway station as part of a project to use the railway to promote women’s mental health and confidence as we come out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The project – named “Light at the End of the Tunnel” involved members of women’s charity Tomorrow’s Women Wirral – who have been accessing support from the service – designing artwork showcasing what their light would be after the pandemic.
The aim of the project was to support current members of Tomorrow’s Women throughout the pandemic but also to make the wider female community aware of the support on offer through the publicly displayed artwork.
This was a joint effort between Merseyrail, the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Tomorrow’s Women Wirral, Women in Community Rail and the Borderlands Community Rail Partnership members.
It was funded by Chester Shrewsbury Rail Partnership and the Borderlands Community Rail Partnership.
Tomorrow’s Women is a women’s charity operating in Wirral and Cheshire West and Chester, supporting women in the criminal justice system, or those who are overcoming adversity to make positive lifestyle changes.
The charity offers a wide range of free services such as tailored interventions and courses, support services and activities in a women-only safe space in the heart of Birkenhead.
The artwork was unveiled at a ceremony at Bidston station attended by representatives of all involved organisations.
Jane English, Deputy Managing Director at Merseyrail, said,
I am proud that Merseyrail were able to be part of this project and help to display the fantastic artwork that the women from Tomorrow’s Women Wirral have created.
The challenges of COVID-19 have been particularly difficult for these women, so to be able to support them and give them the platform they deserve is a real honour.
I look forward to continuing working with partners and Tomorrow’s Women Wirral as together we will support them with career advice, upskilling and improving confidence.”
Kate O’Neill, one of the members of Tomorrow’s Women Wirral, added, “Lockdown made us realise how much Tomorrow’s Women means to us. Just knowing that there were women there as our safety net gave us hope on our bad days.
“The Light At The End Of The Tunnel Project brought us together in a way we hadn’t been for months. It felt good to exchange our ideas and hopes for the future in a creative way.”
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