Share your story
We’ll never give your real name or use photos of you, so you’ll always stay anonymous.
If you have a story, piece of artwork, creative writing or anything else to share, get in touch by emailing Amy at a.sargeson@railwaychildren.org.uk
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 really tough time. Harper was struggling with her mental health and spent long hours near railway tracks, feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to turn.
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.
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…
One year on, Dante is happily living in a permanent foster care placement, has 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 such a turnaround in his life that he’s now joined Railway Children’s Youth Participation programme so he can help shape the future of Railway Children’s work and use his experience to help others who are in a similar situation to where he once was.
FINDING STRENGTH THROUGH ART
Dylan, a transgender young person and the artist behind this painting, was referred to Railway Children following a physical assualt.
With support from his worker, Dylan recovered from his trauma and was supported to work through the issues surrounding his gender 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
As she spent time thinking about the year ahead and the changes she knew it would bring, 16-year-old Erin penned the following goals:
- Stop vaping
- Try to be healthier
- Save money
- Start my career path
- Learn a new skills
- Try and go out more
- Quite all my bad habins
- Spend more time with family
- Have a good routine
- Do more practical activities
- Limit screen time
And, with the support of her Railway Children worker, Erin is making these goals a reality in 2025.
