A call for compassion on the rail network during mental health awareness week
Railway Children and Govia Thameslink Railway partner to raise awareness of young people’s mental health across the rail network.
Date: 11/5/2026
Your Voices
Share your stories, art, musings, creations, thoughts… in whatever way works for you.
Share your story
Have a story or piece of art or creative writing to share? Get in touch by emailing Amy at a.wright@railwaychildren.org.uk
We’ll never give your real name or use photos of you, so you’ll always stay anonymous.
YOUNG PEOPLE SPEAK OUT!
Two of Railway Children’s youth ambassadors spoke out about their experiences of safeguarding on rail at UK Rail 2026 – a conference for everyone who works in and around the UK rail network.
“Having our Youth Ambassadors there made a real difference, bringing young people’s voices into the conversation and helping rail professionals better understand the experiences of young people on rail,” said Rob Capener, CEO of Railway Children.
Delegates heard from our young people on the experiences and risks faced by vulnerable young people on and around the railway, as well as how train companies and frontline staff can help keep people safe.
Those attending the conference also took part in an immersive safeguarding escape room, that Railway Children’s youth ambassadors helped develop. Participants raced against the clock to identify risks facing young people on the rail network and take action to support them.
Julia’s experience growing up transgender
“It was easier to be that boy I knew I wasn’t. But now I really regret it. I wish I’d stuck with it the first time.”
Julia, 24, grew up as a boy but knew, early on, that the gender she’d been born into was not who she was.
She recently spoke to Youth Platform about her journey, and what she wishes she’d know as a ten-year-old boy.
How to cope with constant crisis events in the news
Overwhelmed by the news? You’re not the only one. Wars, disasters, and crises are just a swipe away.
In this insightful and honest piece, Alex, 22, explains why young people in particular feel the pressure to “keep up” with every devastating story and why it’s okay to step back and set boundaries.
Millie’s story of self-acceptance
“Every time someone says who they are, whether it’s whispered in a bedroom or shouted at a Pride parade, the world becomes a better place.”
Millie, 20, shares the story of how she came out, and offers advice to anyone who might be going through a similar experience.
Meet Harper
Nineteen-year-old Harper is looking forward to a bright future, but it wasn’t always this way.
Not long ago, she was going through a very tough time and was struggling with her mental health. Overwhelmed and not knowing where to turn, she was spending long hours near railway tracks.
When she met Railway Children, things started to change. With the right support, Harper found a way forward and started building the life she wanted.
Watch her story to see how she got through it – and know that, whatever you’re facing, there’s always someone who can help.
Play Video
Lifechanging art
Will, a young person we supported in Glasgow, created this amazing piece of street art.
It was auctioned off and raised an incredible £480 for our charity!
With this money, we can help young people facing the same challenges he once did to find a way forward.
DANTE’S STORY
Last year, 16-year-old Dante spent Christmas in emergency foster care.
He hadn’t been attending school and, at home, life was chaotic, cold and dominated by conflict.
Dante knew things needed to change…
A year later, Dante is happily living in a permanent foster care placement. He’s started an apprenticeship and is attending college one day a week. He also plans to move out of foster care this year and into his own flat.
“Dante has been such a big part of his own progress,” says his project worker, Amelia.
“He’s earning his own money, getting himself to work and attending college. He doesn’t need me anymore – and that’s the aim. That’s where we want young people to get to. Dante now has the skills, the resilience and the confidence to go out and do it himself.”
Dante has made an incredible turnaround in his life. He’s now joined our Youth Participation programme, where he’s helping shape the future of our work.
FINDING STRENGTH THROUGH ART
Dylan, a transgender young person, was referred to us after being physically assaulted.
With the help of his youth worker, Dylan recovered from the trauma of the assault. We also helped him work through issues he was having around his transition.
Dylan uses art, writing and music as a way to express what’s in his head and calm down when he’s feeling stressed.
Thanks to encouragement from Claire and his teachers, Dylan eventually felt confident enough to come out to the other students at school.
“This was an extremely positive experience for Dylan,” says Claire, “which helped him to feel accepted, less worried about being misunderstood and encouraged him to engage more with school.”
“Dylan is now more hopeful about the future and is looking forward to inspiring other young people through his rapping. He’s such an amazing person,” she adds.
STARTING WELL
Thinking about the year ahead, 16-year-old Erin penned the following goals:
- Stop vaping
- Save money
- Try to be healthier
- Start my career path
- Learn a new skill
- Try and go out more
- Quit all my bad habits
- Spend more time with family
- Have a good routine
- Do more practical activities
- Limit screen time
With the support of her youth worker, Erin is making these goals a reality!
Railway Children's latest news
The £50 challenge
This May and June, Railway Children is giving the rail industry a fun, simple fundraising challenge to bring staff together, spark creativity and boost morale – all while changing the lives of vulnerable children.
Date: 30/4/2026
Railway Children to present at Skoll 2026
Railway Children will join partners from the Rooted Futures collaboration at the 2026 Skoll World Forum to lead an interactive session on family strengthening and child protection reform.
Date: 07/4/2026
What’s the difference between child protection and safeguarding?
Learn about safeguarding and how it relates to child protection on transport networks.
Date: 28/4/2026
Helping children and young people build a life away from the streets
No child wants to survive on the streets. And, through understanding and empowerment, together, we can ensure no child has to.
Date: 10/4/2026
Becoming Julia
Julia, 24, grew up as a boy but knew, early on, that the gender she’d been born into was not who she was. Here, she talks to Youth Platform about her journey, and what she wishes she’d know as a ten-year-old boy.
Date: 31/3/2026
