Save the date: Railway Children on BBC Radio 4
We’re delighted to share that Railway Children will feature in a special BBC Radio 4 charity appeal this September – and we hope you’ll tune in to listen.
Date: 10/8/2026
General Election 2024: We must prioritise safeguarding on rail
With the upcoming general election on July 4th, it’s more important than ever to make sure safeguarding children on the rail network is a priority for the next government.
Date: 4th June 2025
Every year, around 10,000 young people are reported to British Transport Police as vulnerable or at risk on the rail network.
Many are using the railways to run away from home or care. Some may have been groomed or exploited to transport drugs as part of ‘County Lines’ activity. Others are struggling with their mental health and experiencing suicidal thoughts.
The needs and vulnerabilities of these young people are varied and complex, but one thing remains the same – without early intervention, the risk of harm increases.
Our experience tells us that intervening at a critical moment and providing personalised support for children and their families is vital to helping them reach their full potential. Without a safety net in place, these vulnerable young people are more likely to experience negative outcomes later in life, and some, sadly, won’t survive at all.
We’ve already made significant progress working with the British Transport Police and the Department for Transport to influence the development and adoption of the Safeguarding on Rail Scheme across the industry. We hope to continue this vital work – and although we don’t know what the future of the rail industry is, what we do know is that the safety and wellbeing of young people must be taken seriously.
Whoever the next government is, we’re ready to work together to ensure that all children and young people who are at risk of harm outside of the home get the right support at the right time.
This is why, we are asking the next UK government to:
1. Ensure that legislation and policy relating to safeguarding children within the rail and transport network is strengthened
2. Involve young people in decision-making about safeguarding to make the rail network more youth-friendly.
With a co-ordinated safeguarding response across the national transport network, we can help to prevent crisis, provide urgent help and improve the life chances for some of the country’s most vulnerable young people.
Empowering voices
We asked some of the young people we work with why early support is important. This is what they said:
“Early support avoids the path that can lead to darkness.”
“Early intervention means people are less likely to become anti-social or be involved in the wrong groups.”
“Early intervention is important because it prevents young people reaching crisis point and can potentially save a life.”
“It helps people get support before things get worse.”
We also asked young people what the new government should do to keep young people safe on rail and they said:
“Provide ways on how to keep everyone safe, like leaflets and posters.”
“To make the rail safer for young people, there should be more awareness of young people going through barriers without paying as this can cause safety issues such as county lines.”
“Increased police presence on the rail network.”
“More security on trains and in train stations, restrictions on drunk people and punishing anti-social behaviour in groups.”
Latest stories
Rail Industry Unites with Railway Children to Raise Safeguarding Awareness
National three-day campaign sees rail partners travel over 1,000 miles to help protect vulnerable young people.
Date: 06/8/2026
Hundreds of Rail Industry Supporters Scale British Peaks
More than 270 participants took on two iconic mountain challenges this summer, raising an incredible £252,546 to help vulnerable children in the UK, India and Tanzania.
Date: 10/7/2026
From separated to reunified
Subira is a family project worker for Railway Children in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Here is an exploration of her work and the impact that it has as she supports street-connected children and reunites families.
Date: 22/7/2026
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 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
