Avanti West Coast Christmas film urges vigilance for vulnerable children
Avanti West Coast has released a new Christmas film in partnership with the charity Railway Children, calling on the public to be more aware of vulnerable young people travelling on the rail network over the festive season. The short production, titled Your Presence Is Presents Enough, was written and directed by BAFTA breakthrough filmmaker Daisy-May Hudson and is intended to highlight the signs that a child may be running away or in distress.
The film premiered on Avanti West Coast’s YouTube channel and runs for five minutes – echoing the frequency at which a child runs away in the UK. Drawing on Daisy-May Hudson’s own experience of homelessness, the story aims to challenge perceptions and show the hidden realities children may face. It also introduces viewers to the AT RISK acronym developed by Railway Children, designed to help identify young people who may need help: Attitude, Time of day, Relationship, Instinct, Safety, and Keeping a low profile.
New research suggests many adults may not know how to spot the warning signs, with 78% of respondents saying they wouldn’t feel confident identifying a runaway child, and 58% unsure what action to take. The study also found seasonal distractions play a part, with many passengers focused on gift shopping, social events or using their phones, making it easier to overlook a young person in danger.
To support the campaign, awareness messages are being broadcast at stations along the West Coast Main Line throughout Christmas, accompanied by signage at Crewe and Stockport, as well as advertising across the route. The initiative aims to encourage travellers to pay attention to their surroundings, especially as rail usage tends to increase during the festive period.
Natalie Richbell-Beer, Safeguarding and Crime Manager at Avanti West Coast, said:
“We’re proud to partner with Railway Children to raise awareness about this important issue. Everyone has a role to play in protecting vulnerable children – especially at Christmas when the railway is at its busiest, which is why we’re asking people to look up during their journey. Our film aims to give those travelling by rail the confidence to spot the signs and report concerns, so we can help keep even more young people safe.”
Rob Capener, Chief Executive at Railway Children, said:
“Children can be at risk on the UK transport network for a variety of reasons, so knowing what to look out for is essential. We’re proud to work with Avanti West Coast to raise awareness of how the public can help. If a child appears at risk please tell station staff or text British Transport Police on 61016. Your vigilance could help keep a vulnerable child safe.”
Daisy-May Hudson added:
“I am very proud of this film and reminding people what’s important this Christmas - human connection and looking out for one another. It has been a joy creating this with the lived experience Ambassadors to centre what is the most important part of their story - and using that to create something which I hope really strikes a chord with people at this time. I find there is great power in film to deeply see people- and I hope this film captures what it can sometimes feel like this season - but that the hope is always found in how we can relate to one another and how we can make each other feel.”
The campaign stresses that vigilance matters. If someone notices a child who may be AT RISK, they are urged to alert station staff or message British Transport Police on 61016. Simply looking up could make all the difference.
Image: Avanti West Coast