In an effort to make Hull Paragon Station even safer, TransPennine Express (TPE) has made a £100k investment into creating a new multi-agency safeguarding hub.

Collaborating with TransPennine Express on the new hub, called the Safer Hull Paragon Hub, were Hull City Council, British Transport Police (BTP), Humberside Police, local community agencies and support-providing charities. It will provide a consistent and safe point of contact for those in need and will be open every day between 9 am and 7 pm from next Monday, 14th August.

To create the new hub, TransPennine Express converted an empty retail unit into a welcoming space for the two million rail users and ten million bus users who visit the interchange each year. As well as being a safe place, the hub will provide access to services provided by a range of agencies and have an increased policing presence from British Transport Police and Humberside Police. Other organisations that will be making regular visits to the hub will be Carlisle Security, The Railway Children, The Samaritans, The Antisocial Behaviour Action Team, Vulnerable Exploited Missing and Trafficked Team (VEMT), Hull 4 Heroes, and Andys Man Club.

Kathryn O’Brien, Operations and Customer Experience Director, at TPE, said: “We’re delighted to open the Safer Hull Paragon Hub and provide a point of contact to help protect vulnerable people on our railway.

“Our customers are always at the heart of everything we do and we’re always looking for ways to make the railway an even safer space for customers and our colleagues. The opening of this innovative safeguarding hub is a landmark moment in our progress.

“This year, we’ve trained more than 800 colleagues in safeguarding, appointed 34 safeguarding champions, trained 30 mental health first aiders, and received a prestigious safeguarding accreditation award.”

Sergeant Steve O’Callaghan, BTP liaison officer at TPE, said: “This first-of-its-kind station safeguarding multi-agency hub demonstrates TPE’s commitment to safeguard and to help protect vulnerable people on the railway.

“The Safer Hull Paragon Hub aims to identify and safeguard individuals at the earliest opportunity, increase police presence within the station, reduce crime and anti-social behaviour, and provide a shared location for local charities to raise their visibility.”

Councillor Mark Ieronimo, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Transportation, Roads and Highways at Hull City Council, said: “The council welcomes the opening of the new Safer Hull Paragon Hub.

“Millions of rail and bus passengers use the station each year and their safety is a high priority for all those involved in this innovative new scheme.

“The hub will provide a visible location and place of contact for those in need as well as helping to reduce anti-social behaviour through an increased police presence. It will also provide a facility for local charities to undertake important engagement, outreach and promotional activity.”

Ben Courtney, Hull Paragon Station Manager for TPE, said: “I’m delighted to be opening the doors to Safer Hull Paragon Hub.
“I look forward to spending time within the hub, connecting with the station’s many users and working collaboratively towards a safer Hull Paragon Interchange.

“A massive thank you to everyone who has worked tirelessly to deliver this fantastic investment.”

David Lonsdale, Neighbourhood Policing Inspector for Humberside Police, said: “We are proud to have played our part in bringing the Safer Hull Paragon Hub to fruition alongside TPE, BTP and our partners.

“Protecting vulnerable people is at the heart of the way we police and this hub gives us a great platform to raise awareness to key issues and protect vulnerable people in our community.

“Our officers will be taking regular slots within the hub’s opening hours and will be there to provide reassurance, work alongside other agencies, and answer any questions or concerns people might have.”

Chief Inspector Tony McGhin, from BTP, said: “The Safer Hull Paragon Hub is the culmination of a huge amount of partnership working and really demonstrates just what can be achieved when we work together.”

Paul Matson, CEO and Founder of Hull 4 Heroes, said: “We are thrilled to be working with TPE’s new ‘Safer Hull Paragon Hub’.

“It is a beacon of support for small charities, that will help to foster positive change in people’s lives and build connections with the station’s diverse service users.”

Joe Clay, Programme Manager, Safeguarding Partnerships at Railway Children, said “TPE has demonstrated outstanding commitment and dedication to safeguarding vulnerable young people using the railway.

“Railway Children is thrilled to be offered a regular slot within the hub’s timetable and look forward to speaking to Hull station’s many users. This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through the Safeguarding Action Group approach to multi-agency working.