On Monday, 23 October, the international children’s charity, Railway Children, launched a new safeguarding project at Glasgow Central Station to help young people leaving home to escape family conflict, abuse, mental health issues, and exploitation by criminal gangs.

Railway Children launched its “Safeguarding on Transport” programme at Glasgow Central as it is Scotland’s busiest railway station. The programme brings together the rail industry and British Transport Police (BTP) to protect young people from harm by raising awareness about vulnerability on the railways, and reinforcing safety responses in and around major stations.

This is Railway Children’s first project in Scotland and is funded by Alstom and Avanti West Coast, and follows similar programmes in London, northwest England, West Midlands and Yorkshire. It has a long-term goal of building a safety net across the UK’s rail network through working with rail industry partners and BTP while tackling local issues that affect specific stations.

It is hoped that the programme will help Railway Children to reach more young people in vulnerable situations, including those using trains to run away from home. When a child or young person is identified as being at risk, BTP can refer them to Railway Children’s Youth Practitioners who are able to provide trauma-informed, bespoke support plans and family interventions to create positive change in their lives. Further information about the charity can be found at www.railwaychildren.org.uk.

Glasgow Central Station was chosen for the launch as it is one of the UK’s top five stations for safeguarding incidents reported to BTP. In 2022/23 in Scotland there were 962 Safeguarding and Vulnerability Reports for incidents involving children and young people, of which 181 were at Glasgow Central.

Representatives from rail industry partners, local organisations, and people who work in and around the station have already established a Safeguarding Action Group in Glasgow that aims to raise awareness, share information to generate local solutions and improve responses to vulnerable adults, children and young people.

Francesca McKay, Railway Children’s Regional Manager for Scotland, said: “We know that many children who are at risk of harm and who use the rail network do not necessarily come into contact with BTP, which is why our work is so vital.

“Glasgow has two of Scotland’s busiest stations within a few minutes of each other and the area around Central Station is a well-known meeting place for children and young people, many of whom travel to the area by train. By working together with the rail industry and other partners, we can ensure that no child goes unnoticed on the railways and provide support to those at risk of harm before it’s too late.”

Fiona Hyslop, Minister for Transport, said: “We know from our own research that some groups can feel more vulnerable on the railway. We also know from BTP that there are many incidences involving children and young people who may be at risk from their own behaviours or that of others who seek to exploit them.

“The partnership between Railway Children, BTP, and the rail industry that will deliver this project in Glasgow will provide a vital safeguard for at risk minors and provide a support system to help steer them away from harm.”

Andy Mellors, Managing Director at Avanti West Coast, said: “We’re proud to be supporting Railway Children to roll out their safeguarding programme at another destination on our route. Through a similar partnership with the charity in the West Midlands, we’ve seen first-hand the difference their efforts can make to the lives of vulnerable children on the rail network. We look forward to playing our part to aid their vital work in supporting and protecting young people to bring positive change for children in Scotland.”

Colin Haynes, Environment, Health and Safety Director at Alstom, said: “Alstom is proud to partner with and support Railway Children with their mission to make the railway a safer place for young people. Tackling social inequality and driving equal opportunity are two of the key pillars of Alstom UK and Ireland’s corporate social responsibility and sustainability strategy and our involvement with Railway Children directly aligns with our goals in these areas.

“Our employees are keen to be involved, with many choosing to use their volunteer days to support Railway Children through fundraising and volunteering directly with the projects. We can’t wait to get started on this latest iteration of the Safeguarding on Transport project in Glasgow and congratulate the team at Railway Children for their ongoing work supporting vulnerable young people across the UK.”

Brian Wylie, Vulnerability Manager at BTP, said: “We work in partnership with Railway Children across the UK and their latest project in Glasgow will be invaluable in helping us to safeguard further vulnerable children and young people and ensure they get the support they require.

“The railway is one of the easiest ways to travel for runaway children and those at risk of harm or exploitation will often gravitate towards train stations and transport hubs because they are busy, anonymous places which help them escape their current situation.

“Our officers patrol the railway network day and night to protect vulnerable people, and working jointly with Railway Children gives us all the chance to intervene before it’s too late. I’d urge anyone with any concerns to text us on 61016.”