Poster campaign: representatives from charity the Railway Children met officials from Govia Thameslink at East Croydon Station this month
Govia Thameslink Railway is working with safeguarding charity the Railway Children to discuss how best to support vulnerable children and young people across London’s rail network.
Govia Thameslink’s chief exec, Angie Doll, met representatives of the Railway Children at East Croydon Station earlier this month, after the company’s Your Station, Your Community Improvement Fund awarded a grant to strengthen the group’s training, community engagement and direct intervention programmes.
“The funding will enhance the ability of station staff to identify and support vulnerable individuals while fostering stronger partnerships within station communities,” the rail company’s public relations office said.
East Croydon is one of the key focus areas for Railway Children alongside Finsbury Park, both of which experience a higher incidence of child safeguarding concerns, the company said.
“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,” said Jasmine Sykes, a Railway Children youth practitioner. “Our role is to look beyond the surface and offer the right support to help them move forward.”
Govia Thameslink Railway operates Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern and Gatwick Express services. The company’s CEO, Doll, said, “This partnership will help make our stations and trains safer and more compassionate places for everyone.”
New job: Rebecca Butler has been taken on by Govia Thameslink with significant responsibility
Helped by the grant, the Railway Children Youth Ambassador Network has launched a mental health awareness campaign. Featured across digital and print media throughout the station, the campaign encourages open conversations about mental health and reaching out for help.
Govia Thameslink has also created a new role of safeguarding manager to support passengers and colleagues, appointing Rebecca Butler, who has more than 20 years’ experience at Brighton council working with young people and adults facing challenges such as criminal and sexual exploitation, care experience, mental health needs and disabilities.
GTR previously employed a suicide prevention manager, the first person to be appointed to this position across Britain’s railways. This role has now been broadened in scope to encompass safeguarding of all passengers and staff.
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