Young people leaving home to escape family conflict, abuse, mental health issues and exploitation by criminal gangs are to be helped through a new safeguarding project at Scotland’s busiest railway station.

Railway Children - an international children’s charity - launched its Safeguarding on Transport programme at Glasgow Central Station today. (Monday, October 23)

By bringing together the rail industry and British Transport Police, the charity hopes to raise awareness of vulnerability on the railways and strengthen safety responses in and around major stations to protect young people from harm.

Francesca McKay, Railway Children’s Regional Manager for Scotland, said: “We know that many children who are at risk of harm and who use the rail network do not necessarily come into contact with BTP, which is why our work is so vital.

"Glasgow has two of Scotland's busiest stations within a few minutes of each other and the area around Central Station is a well-known meeting place for children and young people, many of whom travel to the area by train.

"By working together with the rail industry and other partners, we can ensure that no child goes unnoticed on the railways and provide support to those at risk of harm before it's too late.” 

Glasgow Central is one of the top five UK stations for safeguarding incidents reported to British Transport Police (BTP).

In 2022/23, out of 962 Safeguarding and Vulnerability Reports for incidents occurring in Scotland involving children and young people, 181 (20 per cent) were for Glasgow Central.

When BTP identify a child or young person at risk, they can refer them to Railway Children’s Youth Practitioners who provide trauma-informed, bespoke support plans and family interventions to create positive change in their lives.

Fiona Hyslop, Minister for Transport, said: “We know from our own research that some groups can feel more vulnerable on the railway.

"We also know from BTP that there are many incidences involving children and young people who may be at risk from their own behaviours or that of others who seek to exploit them.

"The partnership between Railway Children, BTP, and the rail industry that will deliver this project in Glasgow will provide a vital safeguard for at-risk minors and provide a support system to help steer them away from harm.”

Railway Children’s Glasgow project - their first in Scotland - is funded by Alstom and Avanti West Coast and follows successful programmes in London, northwest England, West Midlands and Yorkshire.

Alongside rail industry partners and BTP, the charity continues to work towards its long-term goal of building a safety net across the UK rail network while tackling local issues affecting stations.