Southeastern is partnering with national charity Missing People to support those in crisis on the railway this summer.
Every year, over 170,000 people are reported missing in the UK, with 17% of those cases happening in areas served by the Southeastern network. Tragically, missing people are at greater risk of serious harm, and around 1,000 die while missing each year.
Railway stations are often critical points where people in distress seek help, with Missing People receiving on average three calls a day from people in distress at stations or on trains.
That is why Southeastern is working with Missing People to ensure help is available when and where it is needed most. Funded through a £49,500 grant from the train operator’s Customer and Communities Improvement Fund (CCIF), the programme will see the rollout of help for people in crisis to return home safely, as well as staff training and funding for Missing People’s Helpline.
David Wornham, Passenger Services Director at South Eastern Railway, said:
“The railway is where people come together, but for some it can also be a place of crisis. That’s why working with fantastic organisations like Missing People to support vulnerable passengers is so important.
“This project will equip our staff with the skills to help, improve visibility of life-saving services, and most importantly, provide a route to safety for those who need it most.”
The project will include:
- Staff training: Southeastern staff will receive guidance on how to support individuals in crisis. This includes in-person workshops and short training videos that can be accessed on mobile devices across the network.
- Awareness campaign: Posters, ads, and digital screens will signpost vulnerable individuals to Missing People’s Helpline. An out-of-home advertising campaign which will help reach at-risk communities across Southeast London, Kent and East Sussex.
- Travel solutions for vulnerable people: With support from Southeastern’s Safeguarding team, the charity will provide help to vulnerable individuals to return to safety via the rail network.
- Helpline funding: The grant supports a full month of Missing People’s confidential Helpline, ensuring that no call for help goes unanswered.
The new support builds on the South Eastern Railway’s drive to build a safer railway as part of its five-year Joint Safeguarding Strategy with the British Transport Police (BTP). This includes the UK’s first dedicated rail safeguarding team, which is dedicated to working with the public and colleagues to raise awareness of issues including Violence Against Women and Girls, suicide and homelessness.
Jo Youle OBE, Chief Executive of Missing People, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Southeastern for their generous support and ongoing commitment to Missing People. This support means the charity can be there 365 days a year for people in crisis who are missing, and for families still searching.
“Our Helpline receives three calls every day from people on trains or at stations, and projects like this ensure people know where to go for help. Together, we’re making sure that railway stations are about more than arrivals and departures, but places where people in crisis can find much needed safety and support. Thank you so much”
The project one of 11 initiatives funded this year through Southeastern’s Customer and Community Investment Fund, which supports initiatives that deliver social value, promote equality, and strengthen community wellbeing.
Other projects funded this year include support for disabled travellers, domestic abuse survivors, and mentoring for young people at risk.
