Public urged to stay vigilant for runaway children as warning signs appear at stations | UK | News

Passengers are being asked to help spot runaway children as warning signs appear at train stations across the country this Christmas. It comes after a shocking new study revealed a child runs away from home every five minutes; But a whopping 78% of Brits admitted they couldn’t safely identify a runaway, while 58% said they wouldn’t know what to do if they suspected a child needed help.

Avanti West Coast working with Railway Children To help raise awareness and make change. Platforms on the West Coast Main Line now feature posters and notices aimed at raising awareness of vulnerable young people traveling alone. The rail operator has also released a short film, written and directed by BAFTA-winning filmmaker Daisy-May Hudson, to highlight the message.

Name of the movie ”Your Presence is Gift Enough‘ – encouraging travelers to watch out for vulnerable young people who may run away from home.

It is now featured at stations across the network, while benches in Crewe and Stockport are displaying signs of seats reserved for ‘illegals’ to attract the attention of commuters.

Travelers are encouraged to learn the acronym Railway Children AT RISK – Attitude, Time of Day, Relationship, Instinct, Safety, Keep a low profile – to help identify a child in trouble. Adults who spot warning signs are advised to alert staff or text British Transport Police on 61016.

Natalie Richbell-Beer, Avanti West Coast Conservation and Crime Manager, said: “We are proud to partner with Railway Children to raise awareness of this important issue.

“Everyone has a role to play in protecting vulnerable children, especially over the Christmas period when the railway is at its busiest, so we are asking people to keep their heads up during their journey.

“Our film aims to give rail travelers the confidence to spot signs and report any concerns so we can help more young people stay safe.”

Rob Capener, Chief Executive of Railway Children, said: “Children can be at risk on the UK transport network for a variety of reasons, so it’s important to know what to look out for.

“We’re proud to be working with Avanti West Coast to raise awareness of how the public can help. If a child appears to be at risk please report it to station staff or text British Transport Police on 61016.

“Being careful can help keep a vulnerable child safe.”

Daisy-May Hudson said: “I’m so proud of this film and for reminding people what’s important this Christmas: human connection and looking out for each other.

“It was a pleasure to create this with lived experience ambassadors that center on the most important part of their story and to use that to create something that I hope will really engage people at this time.

“I think there is great power in film to see people deeply, and I hope this film captures how it feels sometimes in this season, but hope is always found in our relationship with each other and how we can make each other feel.”