LONDON – In view of World Mental Health Day, Sunday 10 October, KeolisAmey Docklands (Kad), the company that operates the Docklands Light Railway (DLR), one of the British capital’s public transport lines, has announced the launch of the first trains and meditative areas in stations around the world, with the aim of supporting the well-being and mental health of commuters. The ambitious project, conceived and offered by Youmanity, an Italian charity based in London, in partnership with DLR and Brain Recharge – App, includes meditation programs that include tracks dedicated to use on DLR trains and in designated relaxation areas, located in Canary Wharf, Tower Gateway and Woolwich Arsenal stations.
Commuting to or from work can be one of the most stressful times of the day, especially after more than a year of smart working due to the pandemic. Together, Youmanity KAD and DLR recognize that getting used to commuting can induce anxiety and have thus created the “Inner Journey” program to welcome passengers with a new spirit, offering peaceful spaces for them to experience the benefits of meditation.
“We often forget the importance of taking a break, but with the Inner Journey project we want to give you the opportunity to rediscover a dimension where you can have a breather during our hectic daily rhythm: a space, public, where you can feel reconnected and welcomed, conditions that, in time of Covid, each of us yearns more than ever to find, ”says Alessia Affinita, creator of the project and Marketing Director of Youmanity.
Twelve transformed carriages, with settings and sounds inspired by the mountains, forest, ocean and countryside, will stop at stations serving the entire DLR network. Commuters can also download the free Brain Recharge App and access nature-themed meditation programs. Passengers will then be able to re-connect with themselves and enjoy a moment of relaxation throughout the day.
“Stress and anxiety can become a barrier to traveling and feeling independent, after the multiple limitations experienced during the lock-down, so the promotion of mental health is essential: Inner Journey trains and spaces aim to encourage our passengers to take time to relax and enjoy their day trip, ”comments KAD Customer Experience Manager William Layton.
Youmanity is a UK registered charity that celebrates equality and social inclusion by offering cultural and social projects. The most notable of these is a prestigious annual photography award. Mental health is a key focus of the charity and the “Inner Journey” program is its most recent innovative social program. To date, Youmanity’s projects have received the support of Amnesty International, the European Commission, the British Council, the Metropolitan Police, the Royal Photographic Society and the Consulate General of Italy. Youmanity is a charity run entirely by volunteers.
KeolisAmey Docklands operates the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) in franchise for Docklands Light Railway Limited, part of Transport for London. DLR is the busiest light rail in the UK.
As for Brain Recharge, it offers guided meditations based on Brain Education, relaxation techniques and meditation music to help reduce stress, promote self-healing and recharge brain energy. The benefits of his meditation methods are thanks to the combination of Korean philosophy and modern neuroscientific research.
.