What started out as a way of sharing kindness at Oval Station in London 14 years ago now, has grown into a social media success having amassed over 600,000 followers. 

‘All On the Board’ is the work of two London Underground workers who decided to start posting inspiring messages for commuters as a way to ‘make people feel less alone’.

Jeremy Chopra and Ian Redpath’s work at North Greenwich station started in March 2017 where daily messages were written covering topics such as health, current affairs but also to send positive mental health messages. 

Mr Chopra advised that ‘The messages just come from us, from what we’ve been through ourselves’.  This human connection can certainly be felt through the anonymous messages and for many travellers is a moment to press pause during their commute to read the daily messages.  The much-anticipated messages now not only appear in ‘selfies’ but also spark conversations both on the platform but also on social media too.

Topics have ranged from anti-bullying to men’s mental health and have even reached the timelines of celebrities including Michelle Obama, Jack Whitehall and Strictly Come Dancing’s stories and time lines on Instagram.

The subject of mental health is of huge importance especially to Mr Redpath who advised that back in 2010 when he was a train driver; he had been witness to a tragic event where a young girl jumped in front of his train.  Following this episode, he was diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) an suffered with both anxiety attacks and flashbacks.

Both Mr Chopra and Mr Redpath told reporters that they hoped their messages made people feel ‘less alone‘ and simply wanted to ‘bring people together’.  The duo have released a book based on their billboard notices; and in just one day of its publication has already become a ‘best seller’ on Amazon.  In response to this news Mr Redpath advised that he thought it was ‘brilliant’ and hoped that the book would serve as a ‘personal friend’ to those who read it.

In these unprecedented times it is clear that we all need to see and indeed read the positives; even feeling part of a group movement.  With so many followers it is clear that in the eyes of All on the Board we are certainly not alone.

‘Whatever this week throws at us, we can handle it; we are stronger than we thing we are. Life may get hard, But, WE WON’T QUIT’ - @allontheboard

If you or someone you know could benefit from further support, you can find a range of mental health charities who are on hand and ready to support you through our directory service.  

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Carrie Plummer - Editor & Content Manager