Rail staff offer missing people 'route to safety'

Many people in distress seek help at railway stations

A train operator and a charity are working together to help people who have gone missing.

Southeastern Railway, which serves Kent, East Sussex and South East London, has partnered with Missing People to give vulnerable passengers "a route to safety".

The company has contributed £49,500 towards the scheme.

It will be used to train rail staff to help people who are having a personal crisis, and staff the charity's helpline.

There will also be posters and digital screens, as many people choose stations as places to seek help.

Jo Youle, chief executive of Missing People, said: "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."

Many people in crisis seek help at railway stations

David Wornham, passenger services director at Southeastern, 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."

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