Arriva Rail London (ARL) has unveiled a wellbeing garden at Norwood Junction London Overground station as part of a pioneering initiative designed to support mental health, build community connections and promote environmental sustainability at one of South London’s busiest transport hubs.  

ARL’s Grace-Anne Stephenson, a dedicated train dispatcher in the Norwood Junction team for over seven years, has led this initiative. Thanks to Grace’s deep relationships with local residents, charities and partners, a previously underused area has been transformed into a vibrant, multi-sensory sanctuary.  

Shivani Hill, head of environment, social value and governance at ARL, said: “This garden is more than a green space – it’s a symbol of what’s possible when we reimagine our stations as places of healing and connection. It shows that even the busiest stations can offer a sanctuary for those who need a place to pause and breathe. We aren’t just here to move people; we’re here to support our communities and bring them together.” 

The project has been funded through a £10,000 grant from Network Rail’s Green Fund, as well as further funding from ARL, Bee Friendly Trust and other partners. Carlisle Support Services also played a vital role in bringing the garden to life – not only through their team’s hands-on work in its construction and setup, but also through their generous contribution, providing professional services and labour valued at approximately £14,000. 

Richard Jenkins, managing director for the cleaning and facilities management division at Carlisle Support Services, said: “Our trusted partnership with ARL, now over a decade strong, is built on a shared commitment to innovation and community value. We’re privileged to have contributed to the groundwork and infrastructure for the new garden and cabin, a thoughtful initiative that so meaningfully supports the health and wellbeing of the local community.” 

“We see this as a key step towards shaping the future of urban infrastructure, where transport hubs are sustainable, connected, and truly serve the needs of a modern society.” 

The Norwood Junction wellbeing garden is made up of six unique areas, each designed to nurture wellbeing: 

• Edible garden: A volunteer-maintained garden growing seasonal produce to support South Norwood Community Kitchen, a community cafe tackling food insecurity through pay-if-you-can meals during the week and free lunches on Saturdays. 

• Global greenhouse: An urban biodiversity hub where people can connect to global stories through nature, with a collection of plants from around the world reflecting the rich diversity of the local community. 

• Mental health shed: A warm, welcoming space offering uplifting messages and resources to support emotional wellbeing, as well as access to compassionate support from trained volunteers. 

• Music garden: A creative space where local schoolchildren can craft instruments from recycled materials, introducing sound therapy and emotional expression through music. 

• Relaxation garden: A peaceful area with sensory plants, a water fountain, and goldfish, where visitors can relax and reconnect with nature. 

• Tea garden: A calming corner where visitors can handpick and brew their own tea from chamomile, mint and green tea plants, offering a tangible connection to nature’s healing properties. 

Beyond its beauty, the garden responds to the evolving needs of Norwood Junction. Like many busy urban stations, it has faced challenges – including supporting vulnerable passengers in distress and managing colleague wellbeing after such interactions. Grace envisioned a space where frontline colleagues could offer calm and compassion, trained volunteers could provide guidance, and the local community could find pride and purpose. After eight months of transformation, the garden now opens as a living project – one the local community is invited to nurture and shape for the future.  

The impact of Grace-Anne Stephenson’s work has not gone unnoticed. In recognition of her dedication to community wellbeing, Grace-Anne has been nominated for the Social Value Champion Award at the Social Value Awards – her third award nomination in the past year.