“I’m grateful that I’m able to practice my faith in a safe space whilst at work.”

An Avanti West Coast employee has helped transform a space at Wolverhampton station into a dedicated multi-faith prayer room. A year on from opening, Customer Service Assistant Perry Bashir, talks about how the initiative has strengthened the feeling of community at the station amongst all colleagues.

2 April 2025

It’s been a year since the opening of our multi-faith prayer room, and it brings me so much joy seeing something that started as a personal request being appreciated by so many of the team at Wolverhampton station.

Over the last 12 months, the multi-faith prayer room has brought us closer together. It has offered a place for us to withdraw from life's big issues or to take some time out if we are feeling overwhelmed by a really bad day. It has allowed us to feel comfortable to pray and reflect with God or one another whilst at work, which has encouraged a stronger feeling of unity amongst the station team.

Whether the room is used for prayer, reflection or a quiet time out, I am thankful that it is available to all. For myself, as a Muslim, I value the room as a safe place to pray, something that is important in my day-to-day, but especially throughout Ramadan.

Ramadan teaches Muslims to practice self-control, empathy and generosity. It encourages us to be more mindful and patient and is a time for us to reflect and work on self-improvement.

"Whether the room is used for prayer, reflection or a quiet time out, I am thankful that it is available to all."

Fasting during Ramadan can increase fatigue, so having a relaxing and clean setting to reflect and pray during periods of tiredness helps me to feel that I am able to continue my way of life whilst at work comfortably. Over the past month, I have made sure that the room is stocked with dates each day. These are traditionally eaten during Ramadan to break the fast and have been there for my colleagues to enjoy if they are on shift at this time.

In celebration of Eid, my children helped create decorations for the room. I believe it’s important to teach them about Eid from a young age, as it helps them to understand and embrace special occasions. After so much time spent as a family throughout Ramadan, including the daily breaking of fast with one another, Eid can be an emotional time. More so though, it is a time to reflect on the valuable learnings we have made about ourselves over the past month.

I’m grateful that I am able to practice my faith in a safe space whilst at work. Seeing that the transformation of the room is appreciated by both my Avanti colleagues and the London Northwestern team is an added bonus. When I reflect on the impact my idea has had, I feel so proud of what we have created.

Main Image: Perry Bashir standing in the multi-faith prayer room in Wolverhampton, which has been decorated this week in celebration of Eid.