Commuters are urged to assist in identifying missing children during the holiday season, with alerts displayed at train stations across the country. Recent research reveals that a child runs away from their home every five minutes in the UK.
Avanti West Coast has teamed up with Railway Children to raise awareness about this issue. Posters and messages have been placed at stations along the West Coast Main Line to highlight the presence of vulnerable young individuals traveling independently. Surprisingly, 78% of Britons admit they may not be able to identify a runaway child, with 58% unsure of how to help if they suspect a child needs assistance.
To reinforce the message, the rail company has launched a brief film created by award-winning filmmaker Daisy-May Hudson. The film, titled “Your Presence Is Presents Enough,” encourages passengers to be observant for young individuals who may be running away from home.
The film is now being shown at various stations in the network, with benches at Crewe and Stockport featuring seat signs designated for ‘runaways’ to attract commuters’ attention.
Travelers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Railway Children’s AT RISK acronym – Attitude, Time of day, Relationship, Instinct, Safety, Keeping a low profile – to aid in recognizing distressed children. If any warning signs are noticed, adults are advised to inform staff or text the British Transport Police on 61016.
Natalie Richbell-Beer, Safeguarding and Crime Manager at Avanti West Coast, expressed pride in collaborating with Railway Children to raise awareness. She emphasized the importance of everyone’s role in safeguarding vulnerable children, particularly during the busy Christmas period.
Rob Capener, Chief Executive at Railway Children, highlighted the various risks children face on the UK transport network and stressed the importance of public vigilance. If a child is perceived to be at risk, individuals are encouraged to inform station personnel or text the British Transport Police on 61016.
Daisy-May Hudson, the filmmaker, expressed pride in the film as a reminder of the significance of human connection and looking out for one another during the Christmas season. She emphasized the power of film in portraying human experiences and hoped that the film would resonate with people during this time of year.