LNER Joins Nationwide Campaign to Protect Vulnerable Children and Young People This Summer
With more children and young people travelling over the summer, LNER joined the safeguarding charity, Railway Children and British Transport Police in a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of the signs of vulnerability.
Across three days, outreach workers from the charity were joined by rail industry colleagues as they travelled over a thousand miles of railway, sharing information with customers and rail colleagues about how to spot a young person who may be at risk.
Travellers were encouraged to look out for signs such as a child appearing lost, anxious, under the control of another person, or travelling alone without appropriate support.
Starting in Glasgow on Wednesday 29 July, the charity visited stations across the UK, including Crewe, Cardiff, Exeter, Southampton and London St Pancras and engaged with thousands of rail users and railway staff.
LNER colleagues joined them on their final day, as they travelled north along the East Coast Main Line, stopping to speak to customers at Retford and Newcastle, before completing their journey at Edinburgh Waverley station.
Jim Rawcliffe, Security and Safeguarding Manager at LNER, said: "With the number of children and young people using the rail network increasing over the summer months, identifying those who need help can be a challenge. By working together with Railway Children and other train operators, we can share advice on the signs to look out for and encourage customers and colleagues to remain vigilant and report any concerns."
Suzi Lawrence from Railway Children, said: "We appreciate the support of rail colleagues from across the country who are helping us reach as many people as possible to raise awareness of the signs of vulnerability. For some children and young people, the summer holidays can present an increased risk of harm from abuse, mental health crisis or exploitation. That’s why we’re asking rail users to stay alert. If you see a child or young person who seems lost or confused and you are concerned for their safety, please take action and report it to British Transport Police by texting 61016."
For more information about how to spot a vulnerable young person, visit www.railwaychildren.org.uk