Information for young people
Who we are
Railway Children is a children’s charity that helps and supports young people to stay safe. We are independent and not part of social services or the police.
What we do
British Transport Police tell us about young people they have spoken to because they felt they were at risk. We contact you to see if you need any help.
How we can help
We support young people who have been found in dangerous situations at the station or on the railways or who may be going through a tough time with their emotional wellbeing.
We visit young people and their families/carers to provide direct support sessions along with advocacy & advice and we can liaise with other professionals you may be working with.
We can then work together for a number of weeks or months depending on what you need and want. Our staff are experienced youth workers, teachers, family workers and social workers who engage directly with young people and families to help make positive changes.
We can also help with
- talking to other people on your behalf
- issues around school
- supporting you in meetings with any other professionals
- accessing support groups
- working through your thoughts and feelings
- focusing on your wellbeing
- working with you on issues that matter to you
We can help in various ways:
Meeting up with you, talking on the phone, listening to you about any difficulties you are having and what you would like to happen next.
Other sources of free, confidential help
The Mix (a general helpline for under 25s)
Support for under 25’s. 0808 808 4994 open from 3pm to 12am every day and also a crisis messenger text service provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK if your aged 25 or under and are experiencing any painful emotion or are in crisis, you can text THEMIX to 85258.
Young Minds
Provides free, 24/7 text support for young people across the UK experiencing a mental health crisis. Text YM to 85258. All texts are answered by trained volunteers, with support from experienced clinical supervisors. Texts are free from EE, O2, Vodafone, 3, Virgin Mobile, BT Mobile, Giff Gaff, Tesco Mobile and Telecom Plus
CEOP (report abuse)
CEOP help children stay safe online. If anybody acts inappropriately towards you or another child or young person online (such as sexual chat or being asked to do something that makes you feel uncomfortable); you can report it here.
Childline
If you’re under 19 you can confidentially call 0800 11 11, chat online or email about any problem big or small. Childline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Samaritans
You can access confidential emotional support at any time from Samaritans either by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org
One of the young people we’ve worked with said:
I would tell anyone who doesn’t want to work with Railway Children that they really helped me when I wasn’t doing well and they completely benefitted my mental health when nobody else did so I would definitely recommend.