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
Rail Industry Rallies for ‘Night At The Station’, Raising £60,000+ to Protect Vulnerable Children
More than 200 supporters from across the UK rail industry came together for Railway Children’s Night at the Station fundraising event, helping to raise over £60,000. Participants spent the night in railway stations nationwide to shine a spotlight on the dangers facing vulnerable young people and to support the charity’s vital work in keeping them safe.
Author: Suzi Lawrence | Date: 30th March 2026
Major UK stations open after hours for Charity Sleepout
Railway stations including Manchester Victoria, Birmingham New Street, London Liverpool Street, London Marylebone, London Waterloo, Nottingham, Plymouth and Leeds opened after hours to host the event. Rail colleagues braved an intentionally cold, uncomfortable night with only basic shelter, simple refreshments, and the support of fellow fundraisers.
Now in its fifth year, the annual event is proudly sponsored by VolkerRail, with additional support from Network Rail. While Night at the Station can never replicate the harsh realities thousands of children face every day, it offers a powerful experience that raises awareness of the risks encountered by young people who find themselves alone at stations.
A powerful reminder of why Railway Children’s work matters
During the early hours at Manchester Victoria, participants witnessed the importance of Railway Children’s work first-hand. Security staff from Northern Rail identified three young people alone in the station who appeared vulnerable.
Remarkably, the security officer involved had recently completed Railway Children’s safeguarding training, enabling them to confidently recognise the risks, approach safely, and ensure the young people received immediate professional support.
The incident served as a stark reminder of the real challenges faced by vulnerable children across the rail network—and of the crucial role trained railway staff and the wider rail community play in keeping them safe.
Over £60,000 raised to protect children at risk
Thanks to the commitment and generosity of everyone involved, Night at the Station raised over £60,000, bringing the total generated by the event (formerly known as the Sleepout) to more than £900,000 since its inception.
“Night at the Station is a powerful demonstration of what our industry can achieve when we come together. While the night is tough, it offers just a glimpse of the insecurity far too many children experience every day. The funds raised will help us reach even more young people before their situations become desperate. We’re incredibly grateful to every participant—and to VolkerRail for their continued support.”
More fundraising events planned for 2026
Night at the Station is the first major fundraising event in Railway Children’s 2026 calendar. The charity will host a full programme of challenges throughout the year, including:
- Yorkshire Three Peaks trek — 8 May 2026
- Ride The Route cycling challenge — 3–6 September 2026
Other updates from Railway Children
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
