Support for young people designed by young people
In the UK, we work closely with young people to make sure our support approaches are accessible, engaging and match their needs.
Through our Youth Participation Programme, we use young people’s lived experience to shape our support work and make transport networks safer for children.
Our Youth Participation forums are a safe space for young people from our support programmes to share their stories and help us make a difference.
So far, they’ve helped redesign British Transport Police’s crisis packs, helped us design our welcome packs for young people entering our service and developed our Youth Platform.
Recently, young people helped us develop our Mystery Shopper project to recommend ways to make train stations and rail networks safer and more youth friendly.
Some members go on to become Youth Ambassadors, with the power to further take ownership and influence our work. They receive training, have the opportunity to sit on British Transport Police scrutiny panels, participate in our Safeguarding Action Groups and take part in networking and public speaking opportunities.
One of our Youth Ambassadors recently gave a speech at the launch of our new Glasgow project about his experience with us. It was a resounding success – senior rail industry representatives were very impressed, and we couldn’t be prouder!