Govia Thameslink Railway and Railway Children Join Forces to Protect Vulnerable Young People Across London
Representatives from Railway Children met with Angie Doll, Chief Executive Officer of Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), to discuss the vital work being carried out to support vulnerable children and young people across London’s rail network and beyond.
Author: Suzi Lawrence | Date: 27th October 2025
This important initiative is being supported by GTR’s “Your Station, Your Community Improvement Fund”, which has awarded a grant to strengthen Railway Children’s training, community engagement and direct intervention programmes along GTR routes.
The funding will enhance the ability of station staff to identify and support vulnerable individuals while fostering stronger partnerships within station communities.
The meeting took place at East Croydon Station, one of the key focus areas for Railway Children alongside Finsbury Park, both of which experience a higher incidence of child safeguarding concerns.
Speaking about the complex challenges facing young people on the rail network, Jasmine Sykes, London based Railway Children Youth Practitioner highlighted the wider issues that often underpin the cases referred to them by British Transport Police:
“Many young people may first come to our attention due to something like ticket evasion, but that’s often just a symptom of deeper issues at home, at school, or elsewhere in their lives. Our role is to look beyond the surface and offer the right support to help them move forward.”
Recognising the importance of equipping rail employees with the skills and confidence to act in safeguarding situations, Angie Doll, CEO of GTR – which runs Southern, Gatwick Express, Thameslink and Great Northern services – said:
“It’s essential that our railway colleagues feel prepared and empowered to support someone in crisis — particularly a young person who may be feeling lost or vulnerable. Railway Children UK is a charity close to my heart and this partnership will help make our stations and trains safer and more compassionate places for everyone.”
As part of the GTR grant, the Railway Children Youth Ambassador Network launched a mental health awareness campaign designed by young people, for young people. The campaign, which features across digital and print media throughout the station, encourages open conversations about mental health and reaching out for help.
Janet R, a Railway Children Youth Ambassador who contributed to the campaign, shared her experience:
“After receiving support from Railway Children myself, I’m proud to now help develop campaigns that can change perceptions and show that young people just need someone to listen. It means a lot to give something back.”
The partnership aims to strengthen local safeguarding responses across the rail network through targeted training, cross-sector collaboration, and direct engagement with young people in need of support. By creating visible pathways to help and awareness, the project seeks to make a tangible difference to the lives of those at risk.
In addition to GTR’s ongoing support through the Community Fund, Angie Doll also serves as Chair of the 2025 Railway Ball Committee, a major fundraising event taking place this November in aid of Railway Children.
