Nationwide Station Sleepout raises over £170,000

  • Date: 12 February 2023

The Railway Children Sleepout has raised over £170,000 after more than 360 members of the public and representatives from across the rail industry swapped warm beds for station floors.

The nationwide sleepout, organised by the Railway Children charity and sponsored by VolkerRail, returned for its fourth overnight fundraiser on Thursday 9th February 2023, with volunteers spending the night on station floors to raise money and awareness for children around the world who have nowhere to sleep.

Stations across the UK opened their doors, including Glasgow Central, Swansea, London terminals Waterloo, St Pancras and Liverpool Street, Manchester Piccadilly, Birmingham New Street, Derby and Doncaster.

Volunteers, who were asked to raise a minimum £100 sponsorship, included Network Rail CEO Andrew Haines, who spent the evening at London Waterloo alongside colleagues. Others at London Waterloo included Department for Transport Director General of Corporate Delivery Nick Joyce and EY Transport Partner Anna Delvecchio, with Scotland’s Railway MD Alex Hynes at Glasgow Central and Rail Forum Managing Director Elaine Clark at Derby.

Terina Keene, Railway Children CEO, said: “The Sleepout helps us raise awareness of the problems young people face and the work we do alongside the British Transport Police and the rail industry.

“Thousands of vulnerable young people are identified on the rail network every year. Often these children see stations as a place to go or hide and trains as a means to escape. This event helps us raise vital funds to help them and to keep them safe. We couldn’t do it without the support of everyone involved.”

Steve Cocliff, VolkerRail Managing Director, added: “Although this event didn’t replicate the situation faced by young people who have left home, who are homeless or are living in extreme poverty, it is hugely important that we join forces with our industry colleagues to help shine a light on the problems and difficulties children face when running away from home.

“This is just one night on a cold, uncomfortable floor, but we had sleeping bags and shelter. That’s much more than thousands of young people across the UK. We must remember that the younger generation is our future. It is vitally important that we do all we can for every child who needs extra support, helping them, and getting their lives on a better journey.”