Avanti West Coast and Railway Children hosted an all-day event along the West Coast Main Line to raise awareness of safeguarding issues affecting children and young people.
Joining together with rail industry partners, including British Transport Police and Network Rail, the train operator alongside the charity launched an event called “Day of Action”.
Dedicating a whole day during the school summer holidays, it aimed to engage customers, as well as railway staff on the topic of vulnerable children and young people.
Taking place along the West Coast route between Glasgow and London, the event saw safeguarding and rail professionals host stalls at key stations including Glasgow Central, Preston, Wolverhampton, Birmingham New Street, and London Euston.
Representatives from Avanti West Coast and Railway Children also travelled on trains between Glasgow Central and London Euston to speak with customers and distribute educational safeguarding materials.
It was part of a coordinated approach to support the rail industry’s efforts to create a safer environment that encourages the public to be vigilant and report any concerns.
Journeying from Scotland to the capital was designed to demonstrate how easy it could be for a young person to travel a significant length of the UK, and how the public can help by knowing and spotting the signs of vulnerability, to ensure children as well as young people are protected and safeguarded.
© Martin Shields
The initiative was part of Railway Children’s ‘At Risk Right Here Right Now’ campaign, which is designed to increase public understanding of the risks facing vulnerable young people on the rail network and how the public can respond using British Transport Police’s text reporting number, 61016.
Natalie Richbell-Beer, Avanti West Coast Safeguarding and Crime Manager, said: “Having these important conversations with customers about safeguarding is a great opportunity to raise awareness of the risks young people can face, as well as the role everyone can play in protecting vulnerable people. By teaming up as an industry alongside Railway Children to highlight how to spot those at risk who find themselves at stations or on trains, we hope to encourage the public to act so they can support us in keeping even more young people safe.”
Joe Clay, Safeguarding Partnerships Manager at Railway Children, said: “Our aim is to start vital conversations, equip the public and railway staff with the tools to spot the signs of exploitation or distress, and strengthen the protective network across the rail network. By bringing together professionals form across the country at this event, we highlighted the importance of partnership in safeguarding.”
Image credit: Avanti West Coast / Martin Shields