Railway Mission welcomed guests from across the railway industry to the House of Commons on Tuesday 27 October for a reception highlighting the importance of independent pastoral support for railway people.
Hosted by Catherine Atkinson MP in the Terrace Pavilion and generously sponsored by Netcompany, the event brought together railway colleagues, parliamentarians, industry leaders, chaplains and supporters. It celebrated Railway Mission’s 145th anniversary while looking ahead to the changing needs of the railway workforce.
The event was also supported by the Chartered Institution of Railway Operators (CIRO), the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), the Rail Freight Group (RFG), the Railway Industry Association (RIA) and the Rail Forum. We are grateful for their support in bringing the industry together to recognise the importance of caring for its people.
Welcoming guests, Catherine Atkinson spoke about the people behind every railway journey and the responsibilities they carry. Drawing on her experience as a barrister, including an inquest arising from a death on the tracks, she reflected on the far-reaching impact of traumatic incidents within and beyond the railway community.
She told guests: “As we discuss the future of our railway, we must keep the wellbeing of its people at the heart of that conversation. A safe and successful railway needs staff who feel supported, valued and able to ask for help.”
Catherine also described the anniversary as an opportunity to celebrate Railway Mission’s history and help secure its future through new conversations, stronger partnerships and a renewed commitment to caring for railway people.
The reception included contributions from Lilian Greenwood MP, Network Rail Chair Richard George, Matt Clements of RSSB and Railway Mission Executive Director Liam Johnston.
Richard George kindly stepped in at the last minute after Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy was unable to attend. In his remarks, Richard expressed both his own support and that of the Minister for Railway Mission and its work across the industry.
Matt Clements also addressed the reception. Alongside his role at RSSB, Matt chairs the Railway Mission Advisory Panel, a team of senior railway people who volunteer their time and expertise to support the Mission’s work. Their contribution provides a valuable connection between chaplaincy and the industry it serves, helping the Mission respond to the needs of railway people.
Lilian Greenwood spoke warmly about the contribution of chaplaincy, describing it as offering “a listening ear, a reassuring presence and the knowledge that someone is there when life becomes difficult”.
She highlighted the importance of support being available to everyone, regardless of background or beliefs, in confidence and without judgement. Reflecting on the lasting emotional impact of traumatic incidents, she also emphasised the need for continued care long after the immediate response.
Looking to the future, she said: “As we look to the future of our railways, we must ensure that the wellbeing of the workforce is treated as an essential part of delivering a safe, reliable and sustainable railway.”
These messages were brought to life by Andy Fielding, a frontline member of Network Rail staff and a union representative. Andy spoke about how much he valued the support of the chaplaincy and how he signposted colleagues to the chaplains. His contribution offered a personal perspective on the difference that having someone available to listen can make, and the value of chaplaincy alongside other sources of workplace support.
Through its network of chaplains, Railway Mission offers confidential, independent support to railway staff of all faiths and none. Whether someone is facing difficulties at home, pressure at work, bereavement or the aftermath of a traumatic incident, chaplains provide a listening ear and compassionate support.
The reception offered valuable opportunities to strengthen relationships with existing partners and introduce others to this work. We were also pleased to welcome Alison Griffiths, Shadow Transport Minister, who made time during a busy parliamentary day to visit and hear more about the Mission.
We extend our sincere thanks to Catherine Atkinson MP and her office for hosting us, and to Netcompany and its UK CEO, Rich, for their generous sponsorship and encouragement. We look forward to continuing to develop the relationship between our organisations.
Our thanks also go to Richard George for stepping in at short notice, to Lord Hendy for his continued support, and to Lilian Greenwood, Matt Clements, Andy Fielding and everyone who contributed to the afternoon. We are grateful to the Advisory Panel, CIRO, RSSB, RFG, RIA, the Rail Forum and all the guests and supporting organisations whose commitment helps make our work possible.
As Lilian Greenwood told those gathered: “Our railways simply couldn’t function without the dedication of the people who work on them. And those people deserve to know that, when they need support, someone will be there for them too.”
After 145 years, that commitment remains at the heart of Railway Mission: offering care, compassion and hope to the people who keep the railway moving.
Image credit: Mameri Eze, DstudioInc LTD