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Two of Railway Children’s youth ambassadors spoke out about their experiences of safeguarding on rail at UK Rail 2026 – a conference for everyone who works in and around the UK rail network.
“Having our Youth Ambassadors there made a real difference, bringing young people’s voices into the conversation and helping rail professionals better understand the experiences of young people on rail,” said Rob Capener, CEO of Railway Children.
“Throughout my time as a youth ambassador, I’ve been able to learn and try new things,” says Youth Ambassador, Janet, “including exploring new cities and meeting new people. But the biggest skill I have developed is my confidence. Going to the conference was nerve-wracking to say the least, but a great opportunity to represent other young people and portray our views. I felt super proud that I was able to talk about the things I feel are important!”
Delegates at the conference heard from our young people on the experiences and risks faced by vulnerable young people on and around the railway, as well as how train companies and frontline staff can help keep people safe.
Those attending the conference also took part in an immersive safeguarding escape room, that Railway Children’s youth ambassadors helped develop. Participants raced against the clock to identify risks facing young people on the rail network and take action to support them.
“It was easier to be that boy I knew I wasn’t. But now I really regret it. I wish I’d stuck with it the first time.”
Julia, 24, grew up as a boy but knew, early on, that the gender she’d been born into was not who she was.
She recently spoke to Youth Platform about her journey, and what she wishes she’d know as a ten-year-old boy.
Overwhelmed by the news? You’re not the only one. Wars, disasters, and crises are just a swipe away.
In this insightful and honest piece, Alex, 22, explains why young people in particular feel the pressure to “keep up” with every devastating story and why it’s okay to step back and set boundaries.
Millie, 20, shares the story of how she came out, and offers advice to anyone who might be going through a similar experience.
Nineteen-year-old Harper is looking forward to a bright future, but it wasn’t always this way.
Not long ago, she was going through a very tough time and was struggling with her mental health. Overwhelmed and not knowing where to turn, she was spending long hours near railway tracks.
When she met Railway Children, things started to change. With the right support, Harper found a way forward and started building the life she wanted.
Watch her story to see how she got through it – and know that, whatever you’re facing, there’s always someone who can help.
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It was auctioned off and raised an incredible £480 for our charity!
With this money, we can help young people facing the same challenges he once did to find a way forward.
Last year, 16-year-old Dante spent Christmas in emergency foster care.
He hadn’t been attending school and, at home, life was chaotic, cold and dominated by conflict.
A year later, Dante is happily living in a permanent foster care placement. He’s started an apprenticeship and is attending college one day a week. He also plans to move out of foster care this year and into his own flat.
“Dante has been such a big part of his own progress,” says his project worker, Amelia.
“He’s earning his own money, getting himself to work and attending college. He doesn’t need me anymore – and that’s the aim. That’s where we want young people to get to. Dante now has the skills, the resilience and the confidence to go out and do it himself.”
Dante has made an incredible turnaround in his life. He’s now joined our Youth Participation programme, where he’s helping shape the future of our work.
Dylan, a transgender young person, was referred to us after being physically assaulted.
With the help of his youth worker, Dylan recovered from the trauma of the assault. We also helped him work through issues he was having around his transition.
Dylan uses art, writing and music as a way to express what’s in his head and calm down when he’s feeling stressed.
Thanks to encouragement from Claire and his teachers, Dylan eventually felt confident enough to come out to the other students at school.
“This was an extremely positive experience for Dylan,” says Claire, “which helped him to feel accepted, less worried about being misunderstood and encouraged him to engage more with school.”
“Dylan is now more hopeful about the future and is looking forward to inspiring other young people through his rapping. He’s such an amazing person,” she adds.
Thinking about the year ahead, 16-year-old Erin penned the following goals:
With the support of her youth worker, Erin is making these goals a reality!
From 18 – 22 May 2026, 14 police officers serving under the Gender and Children’s Desk in Mwanza successfully completed a five-day specialist training on child sexual abuse interviewing and crime scene forensics, delivered through a partnership between Railway Children Africa (RCA) and the College of Policing.
In her first nine months, Nicki Mackin has helped safeguard dozens of young people and worked with rail staff, retailers and the public to improve awareness of vulnerability across the station.
As the only UK voices on the Children and Young People’s Global Taskforce for Care Reform, Railway Children Youth Ambassadors Corey and Elliot brought their lived experience to parliament!
Learn about safeguarding and how it relates to child protection on transport networks.
No child wants to survive on the streets. And, through understanding and empowerment, together, we can ensure no child has to.
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.
