UK aid cuts will be “devastating” for world’s most vulnerable children
Huge cuts to UK overseas aid put millions of children at risk of extreme poverty, homelessness and exploitation.
Date: 06/5/2025
Share your story
Have a story or piece of art or creative writing to share? Get in touch by emailing Amy at a.sargeson@railwaychildren.org.uk
We’ll never give your real name or use photos of you, so you’ll always stay anonymous.
Meet Harper
Nineteen-year-old Harper is looking forward to a bright future, but it wasn’t always this way.
Not long ago, she was going through a very tough time and was struggling with her mental health. Overwhelmed and not knowing where to turn, she was spending long hours near railway tracks.
When she met Railway Children, things started to change. With the right support, Harper found a way forward and started building the life she wanted.
Watch her story to see how she got through it – and know that, whatever you’re facing, there’s always someone who can help.
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Lifechanging art
Will, a young people we supported in Glasgow, created this amazing piece of street art. It was auctioned off and raised an incredible £480 for our charity!
With this money, we can help young people facing the same challenges he once did to find a way forward.
DANTE’S STORY
Last year, 16-year-old Dante spent Christmas in emergency foster care.
He hadn’t been attending school and, at home, life was chaotic, cold and dominated by conflict.
Dante knew things needed to change…
A year later, Dante is happily living in a permanent foster care placement. He’s started an apprenticeship and is attending college one day a week. He also plans to move out of foster care this year and into his own flat.
“Dante has been such a big part of his own progress,” says his project worker, Amelia.
“He’s earning his own money, getting himself to work and attending college. He doesn’t need me anymore – and that’s the aim. That’s where we want young people to get to. Dante now has the skills, the resilience and the confidence to go out and do it himself.”
Dante has made an incredible turnaround in his life. He’s now joined our Youth Participation programme, where he’s helping shape the future of our work.
FINDING STRENGTH THROUGH ART
Dylan, a transgender young person, was referred to us after being physically assaulted.
With the help of his youth worker, Dylan recovered from the trauma of the assault. We also helped him work through issues he was having around his transition.
Dylan uses art, writing and music as a way to express what’s in his head and calm down when he’s feeling stressed.
STARTING WELL
Thinking about the year ahead, 16-year-old Erin penned the following goals:
- Stop vaping
- Save money
- Try to be healthier
- Start my career path
- Learn a new skill
- Try and go out more
- Quit all my bad habits
- Spend more time with family
- Have a good routine
- Do more practical activities
- Limit screen time
With the support of her youth worker, Erin is making these goals a reality in 2025.
Our latest news
British Transport Police cuts could leave thousands of children at risk of exploitation
BTP plays a crucial role in protecting vulnerable children on the rail network. We worry upcoming cuts could affect those at risk.
Date: 01/5/2025
Inspiring the next generation: Rail Safety and Careers Event
We recently collaborated with other members of the Bishop Line Community Rail partnership to speak to more than 100 Year 8 students about the importance of rail safety and mental wellbeing.
Date: 06/3/2025
Youth engagement: Empowering young people to create a better world
How we give young people the tools to drive real change.
Date: 11/4/2025
Helping each child overcome their unique struggles
Together, we can give all young people the tailored support they deserve.
Date: 14/3/2025
Child exploitation is closer to home than you might think
Child Exploitation Awareness Day: How Railway Children protects children at risk of exploitation.
Date: 13/3/2025