Railway Children has met with Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) Chief Executive Angie Doll at East Croydon station to highlight ongoing efforts to safeguard vulnerable young people using the rail network. The charity works closely with rail staff and British Transport Police to provide early intervention and support for children and teenagers at risk across London and beyond.

The partnership is backed by GTR’s “Your Station, Your Community Improvement Fund”, which is providing funding to expand Railway Children’s training and outreach programmes along the operator’s network. The support will help equip frontline station teams with greater awareness and skills to recognise when someone may be vulnerable, as well as strengthen links with local community partners.

East Croydon and Finsbury Park have been identified as key focus stations due to higher numbers of safeguarding concerns. Railway Children says these hubs play a crucial role in spotting warning signs and connecting young people with specialist help.

Jasmine Sykes, a London-based Youth Practitioner for Railway Children, explained the broader challenges young people may face when coming into contact with the network. “Many young people may first come to our attention due to something like ticket evasion, but that’s often just a symptom of deeper issues at home, at school, or elsewhere in their lives. Our role is to look beyond the surface and offer the right support to help them move forward.”

Angie Doll, CEO of GTR, stressed the importance of ensuring rail colleagues are trained and confident in responding to safeguarding situations. “It’s essential that our railway colleagues feel prepared and empowered to support someone in crisis — particularly a young person who may be feeling lost or vulnerable. Railway Children UK is a charity close to my heart and this partnership will help make our stations and trains safer and more compassionate places for everyone. As part of the GTR grant, the Railway Children Youth Ambassador Network launched a mental health awareness campaign designed by young people, for young people. The campaign, which features across digital and print media throughout the station, encourages open conversations about mental health and reaching out for help.”

Youth ambassadors with lived experience of support from the charity are contributing to outreach programmes, including a mental health campaign currently displayed across stations. Janet R, part of the Youth Ambassador team, said: “After receiving support from Railway Children myself, I’m proud to now help develop campaigns that can change perceptions and show that young people just need someone to listen. It means a lot to give something back.”

The initiative aims to build a more robust safeguarding network across railway communities through enhanced staff training, closer collaboration with partners and direct engagement with young people who may be struggling. Alongside the community programme, Doll is also Chair of the 2025 Railway Ball Committee, which will raise further funds for the charity later this year.

Image: Govia Thameslink Railway