Railway station platform with two young people seated side by side, with trains and station structures around them.

Supporting young people’s mental health on the rail network

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Protecting childhoods. Rebuilding
young lives.

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

SUPPORTING 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.

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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 young person with dark hair and wearing dark clothing stood in front of a green tiled wall looking down.

A call for compassion on the rail network during mental health awareness week

Railway Children and Govia Thameslink Railway partner to raise awareness of young people’s mental health across the rail network.

Date: 11/5/2026

A Southeastern employee at a Railway Children charity bake sale in an office setting with cakes displayed on a high table.

The £50 challenge

This May and June, Railway Children is giving the rail industry a fun, simple fundraising challenge to bring staff together, spark creativity and boost morale – all while changing the lives of vulnerable children.

Date: 30/4/2026

A mother sits with her three smiling children outside their home, all waving happily, reflecting family strength and the supportive work Railway Children does with vulnerable families in East Africa.

Railway Children to present at Skoll 2026

Railway Children will join partners from the Rooted Futures collaboration at the 2026 Skoll World Forum to lead an interactive session on family strengthening and child protection reform.

Date: 07/4/2026

A young teenage boy sat on a bench with a Railway Children youth practitioner.

What’s the difference between child protection and safeguarding?

Learn about safeguarding and how it relates to child protection on transport networks.

Date: 28/4/2026

Young girl sitting outdoors on sandy ground, raising one arm with a closed hand, wearing a dark shirt and patterned skirt.

Helping children and young people build a life away from the streets

No child wants to survive on the streets. And, through understanding and empowerment, together, we can ensure no child has to.

Date: 10/4/2026

A young transgender woman in front of a grey background with dark hair and wearing a purple jumper.

Becoming Julia

Julia, 24, grew up as a boy but knew, early on, that the gender she’d been born into was not who she was. Here, she talks to Youth Platform about her journey, and what she wishes she’d know as a ten-year-old boy.

Date: 31/3/2026