Reaching Sophie before the danger did
As everyone around her celebrated, for 15-year-old Sophie*, the lead-up to Christmas just brought more pain.
Meet Sophie
As Christmas got closer, life for 15-year-old Sophie just got harder.
At home, money was tight, kitchen cupboards were bare, and Sophie was left to care for her mum following family breakdown.
Meanwhile, at school, Sophie was being bullied and feeling increasingly isolated.
From escape to exploitation
So when she met a boy online who suggested they meet up, it felt like the perfect escape.
But when Sophie reached the train station, no boy was there to meet her.
Instead, unnoticed among the crowds, Sophie was being watched by someone else.
For Sophie and other missing children, every minute that passes increases the risk of exploitation, grooming and violent crime.
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Building a safer future
Thankfully, a member of the public also spotted Sophie and alerted British Transport Police, who reached Sophie before the danger did.
Following referral to Railway Children, Sophie was visited by one of our youth practitioners, Amy, who helped Sophie and her mum find solutions to their problems and build a safer future.
Today, Sophie knows she can talk to Amy whenever she is feeling overwhelmed. And Amy has worked with Sophie’s school to resolve the bullying and help Sophie build new friendships.
“Last Christmas, all I wanted to do was run away,” says Sophie, “this year, with the help of Railway Children, I can look forward to Christmas.”
Give a gift this Christmas and ensure more children are seen, safe and supported
£30 could pay for training and materials so the rail community can keep more vulnerable children, like Sophie, safe across the network.
