Young teenage girl with brown hair and pale skin wearing a dark jacket stood in front of crowds of people at a railway station in the UK.

Sophie can't wait for Christmas... to be over

Keep more children seen, safe and supported.

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Protecting childhoods. Rebuilding
young lives.

We support vulnerable children alone and at risk on the streets and at transport hubs, leading change and building brighter futures across the world.

There for street-connected children

Generational abuse normalises violence. Societal norms put children at risk. Gaps in child protection systems let the most vulnerable fall into danger. They take away children’s voices and make young people invisible.

But we see them. We hear them. And we’re there for them before they turn to the streets, when at risk and after we’ve got them to safety.

How we work

5681

Children supported in the UK, India and Tanzania in 2024

Image of children from India, Tanzania and the UK with text: Where We Work.

How you can help

Three men wearing cycling gear and posing on bikes.

A group of children in India with Railway Children project workers smiling and stood in front of a white wall with a sign that reads 'Children's Activity Centre' next to a blue door.

Avanti West Coast employees wearing Railway Children T-shirt and holding a fundraising bucket.

Help & Advice

Children can be at risk on the UK transport network for a variety of reasons. It's important for everyone to know what to look out for.

Learn more

I feel alone and vulnerable – can you help me?

Our youth practitioners provide direct, one-to-one support for children and young people at risk on the rail network who may be struggling with their mental wellbeing or feeling isolated. If you’re struggling and need someone to talk to, help is available. There are free, confidential services offering support for young people facing challenges such as mental health issues, crisis situations, or emotional distress.

What do I do if my child runs away or is missing?

If your child has run away or gone missing, report them to the police as soon as possible, even if it’s not been 24 hours. You do not need to wait. Call 999 if you believe they’re in immediate danger, or 101 if you’re not sure of their whereabouts but there’s no immediate risk.

What do I do if I see a vulnerable child on the transport network?

If you spot a young person who is showing signs of vulnerability or at risk of being exploited, please notify a staff member, or report this to British Transport Police: call 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016. For any emergencies, dial 999.

How to spot the signs

Young boy with his arms behind his head, smiling at the camera.

Our Work

Group of girls and young boy reading through a book whilst sat on the floor.

Meet the children

A woman in hi-vis stood in front of a group of participants at the Railway Children Sleepout in Manchester.

Jobs

A group of Railway Children staff and rail industry partners stand together at a busy railway station to raise awareness of the charity’s work supporting vulnerable young people. The team are pictured in front of departure boards and ticket barriers, alongside banners promoting Railway Children’s mission to ensure no child is lost to the streets.

Joining forces with Govia Thameslink Railway

Representatives from Railway Children met with Angie Doll, Chief Executive Officer of Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), to discuss the vital work being carried out to support vulnerable children and young people across London’s rail network and beyond.

Date: 30/10/2025

What does the new care reform charter mean for street-connected children?

The new Global Charter on Children’s Care Reform is a powerful step toward a world where every child can grow up in a safe, loving home.

Date: 21/10/2025

Rail industry unites to celebrate Safeguarding Champions

Rail professionals from around the country attended Railway Children’s Safeguarding Champions event, celebrating their commitment to supporting children at risk on the network.

Date: 17/10/2025