A train carriage which has been transformed into an interactive art installation has been unveiled at Hamilton Central station as part of a community project to champion positive mental health.
Located on platform 1, the large-scale artwork titled ‘Hope in Hamilton’ features visual and audio messages collected from members of the community to provide voices from people in the local area. It is designed to raise awareness and understanding of mental health.
The unique art piece is the result of a project by Rail 74 CRP (Community Rail Partnership) – a charity that aims to deliver benefits along the Rutherglen to Hamilton Central Line.
Supported through CrossCountry’s Community Engagement Fund, as well as Avanti West Coast’s Station Community Fund, the installation aims to create a sense of hope with a display of uplifting messages that can be viewed on a ticker display and heard on the platform.
The project involved men in South Lanarkshire who are being supported with their mental wellbeing who contributed to the piece of interactive art. It was designed to help participants by giving them a creative outlet and an opportunity to interact with others who have shared experiences.
With the support of Samaritans, a series of workshops were held over eight months for members of the community including patients from NHS Beckford Lodge, individuals being supported by Lanarkshire Action for Mental Health, and Police Scotland Youth volunteers to design the art installation.
