On Thursday 9th May, in glorious sunshine, the iconic Midland Pullman set off from London Paddington on a tour of England’s beautiful countryside, with some very special guests on board.
Date: 23rd May 2024
In partnership with the Railway Industry Association (RIA), Railway Children’s iconic Midland Pullman tour welcomed aboard guests and corporate partners as well as Rail Minister Huw Merriman. And, for the first time this year, some of the families the charity has supported.
As guests enjoyed a luxury five-course meal and first-class entertainment from magician, Rail Minister Huw Merriman, made his way down the carriages, answering questions and stopping to speak to guests.
Ernestine, who travelled with her children as a guest of Railway Children, said:
“It was just amazing… I could see how Isaac and Zoe were happy and proud of themselves, enjoying food, drinks and snacks and talking with the rail minister. Thank you very much for such a wonderful evening.”
Children like 16-year-old Zara who was found travelling alone on the rail network after going missing from home.
Zara had been out of school for several months, was struggling with her mental health and would not engage with support. But through regular one-to-one sessions, Railway Children practitioners got to know Zara and built her trust – and, gradually, she began to open up. Today, she is being supported to manage her emotions, re-engage with education and build for her future.
With the number of vulnerable children rising all the time, the money raised from this tour will help Railway Children reach more children, before it’s too late.
Railway Children will join partners from the Rooted Futures collaboration at the 2026 Skoll World Forum to lead an interactive session on family strengthening and child protection reform.
Over 200 supporters from the rail industry raised more than £60,000 at Railway Children’s Night At The Station event, spending a night in stations across the UK to protect vulnerable children at risk.
Through our flagship youth participation programme, Youth Platform, young people are shaping our training materials, influencing key decisions and ensuring the rail industry truly understand youth vulnerability.
Julia, 24, grew up as a boy but knew, early on, that the gender she’d been born into was not who she was. Here, she talks to Youth Platform about her journey, and what she wishes she’d know as a ten-year-old boy.
Reflecting on the unique strengths different minds bring to Railway Children and the rich potential of the neurodivergent young people we support.
In India, Railway Children is reaching some of the most vulnerable young people through a powerful and proven approach: peer leadership.
