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How we support young people in the UK

When a young person is identified as vulnerable on the UK transport system, we provide personalised support to help them stay safe, access the right services, and work towards a more positive future.

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Reaching every child 

Every day, young people across the UK rail network face difficult circumstances including abuse, family breakdown, neglect, poor mental health and becoming victims of crime or exploitation. Others may simply be struggling to cope with life’s challenges, leaving them feeling overwhelmed.  

Whatever their situation, each child referred to us has been identified by the British Transport Police (BTP) as being a child at risk on the transport network. 

Every year, over 9,000 young people are identified as vulnerable or at risk by British Transport Police. 

 

The right support for every child 

Every young person’s situation is unique, which is why our support is tailored to their individual needs. 

Through regular one-to-one sessions, our Youth Practitioners build trusted relationships with young people, supporting young people with a wide range of issues, including: 

  • Recognising the signs of exploitation and how to stay safe 
  • Improving emotional wellbeing and confidence 
  • Strengthening relationships with family, friends and trusted adults 
  • Re-engaging with education, training or employment 
  • Connecting with positive activities and support services in their community 
  • Building aspirations and positive futures 
  • Developing bespoke travel safety plans, in partnership with their support network 

We know that meaningful change doesn’t happen overnight. That’s why our support is shaped by each young person’s goals, circumstances and pace.

We work alongside them for as long as they need, helping them overcome challenges, build resilience and create a safer, more positive future. 

“We talk through my problems and try to fix them together. Being able to talk to my youth practitioner and get things off my chest has helped me so much.”

Sam, aged 16

In 2025/26…

We accepted 1168 referrals from British Transport Police, making calls to young people, parents and professionals and offering support, guidance and signposting.   

We supported 213 young people with direct and tailored intervention from a youth practitioner. 

Among the young people we supported intensively: 

  • 100% of young people who were frequently going missing were no longer going missing 
  • 100% of young people who had poor school attendance were re-engaged in education 
  • 70% of young people facing mental health challenges were no longer experiencing poor mental health

Support that doesn’t stop at case closure

For young people who want to stay involved in our work, our youth participation programme offers the next step.

Through this programme, young people help shape our services, influence campaigns, support recruitment, and develop valuable leadership and employability skills.  

Many go on to secure apprenticeships, employment or ambassador roles. 

Visit our youth platform

“I’ve had a wonderful experience with the service. I’ve gone from being in a such dark place in my life where I had to rely on substances to cope to now thriving. I have a job, and I’m working towards a better future for myself. I’m so thankful for all the help from Railway Children.”

Mason, 16

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Image collage showing young people in the UK, India and Tanzania

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