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Representatives from British Transport Police, Railway Children and Avanti West Coast at Glasgow Central for the Day of Action.

Avanti West Coast joins rail industry to protect vulnerable young people

Avanti West Coast teams up with rail industry colleagues to raise awareness of safeguarding issues affecting young people. 

  • Avanti West Coast team up with Railway Children to raise awareness of safeguarding issues affecting young people
  • Activity highlighted how people can help protect children on the rail network
  • All-day event took place on West Coast Main Line between Glasgow and London

Avanti West Coast and Railway Children hosted an all-day event along the West Coast Main Line to raise awareness of safeguarding issues affecting children and young people.

Joining together with rail industry partners, including British Transport Police and Network Rail, the train operator alongside the charity launched an event called “Day of Action”.

Dedicating a whole day during the school summer holidays, it aimed to engage customers, as well as railway staff on the topic of vulnerable children and young people.

Taking place along the West Coast route between Glasgow and London, the event saw safeguarding and rail professionals host stalls at key stations including Glasgow Central, Preston, Wolverhampton, Birmingham New Street, and London Euston. 

Representatives from Avanti West Coast and Railway Children also travelled on trains between Glasgow Central and London Euston to speak with customers and distribute educational safeguarding materials.

It was part of a coordinated approach to support the rail industry’s efforts to create a safer environment that encourages the public to be vigilant and report any concerns. 

Journeying from Scotland to the capital was designed to demonstrate how easy it could be for a young person to travel a significant length of the UK, and how the public can help by knowing and spotting the signs of vulnerability, to ensure children as well as young people are protected and safeguarded.

The initiative was part of Railway Children’s ‘At Risk Right Here Right Now’ campaign, which is designed to increase public understanding of the risks facing vulnerable young people on the rail network and how the public can respond using British Transport Police’s text reporting number, 61016. 

Natalie Richbell-Beer, Avanti West Coast Safeguarding and Crime Manager, said: “Having these important conversations with customers about safeguarding is a great opportunity to raise awareness of the risks young people can face, as well as the role everyone can play in protecting vulnerable people. By teaming up as an industry alongside Railway Children to highlight how to spot those at risk who find themselves at stations or on trains, we hope to encourage the public to act so they can support us in keeping even more young people safe.”

Joe Clay, Safeguarding Partnerships Manager at Railway Children, said: “Our aim is to start vital conversations, equip the public and railway staff with the tools to spot the signs of exploitation or distress, and strengthen the protective network across the rail network. By bringing together professionals form across the country at this event, we highlighted the importance of partnership in safeguarding.”

ENDS

Contact Information

Laura Normansell

Avanti West Coast

laura.normansell@avantiwestcoast.co.uk

Notes to editors

Main image: Representatives from British Transport Police, Railway Children and Avanti West Coast at Glasgow Central for the Day of Action event. 

For more information about Railway Children and the At Risk Right Here Right Now campaign, visit:  At Risk Right Here, Right Now | Protect Vulnerable Children

About Avanti West Coast   

Avanti West Coast, operator of intercity rail services on the West Coast Main Line, is a joint venture between FirstGroup and Trenitalia, delivering a cleaner, greener railway that drives the West Coast forward.

We’re on a mission to revolutionise train travel. Our refurbed Pendolinos returned to the rails in June 2024 following a £117m investment programme that’s delivered the best in class comfort. Known as the UK’s hardest working fleet, all 56 of these iconic trains have been transformed and now boast better seats, improved lighting, new interior carpets, customer-friendly passenger information screens, additional luggage space, power points at every seat and refurbished toilets.

Our new Evero fleet was introduced in June 2024. Built by Hitachi, the 23-strong fleet, consisting of 10 seven-carriage electric trains and 13 five-carriage bi-modes, will serve routes from London to the Midlands, Chester, North Wales and the North West, leading to a substantial cut in carbon emissions with an increase in seats, and offering improved comfort. Quieter and roomier, with more reliable Wi-Fi, wireless charging for electrical devices and a real-time customer information system, these new trains are the result of a £350m investment in sustainable travel.

We’re tackling climate change wherever we can, from reducing energy and water use to training drivers in eco-driving techniques and sourcing food and drink from local suppliers. Our goal is to be net zero carbon by 2031. We’re on track.

For the latest news, visit the Avanti West Coast Media Centre: https://newsdesk.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/

Press Office: 0845 000 3333