Trained staff will look for vulnerable and distressed people

A scheme which aims to keep vulnerable people safe, and save lives, on the railway in the West Midlands has been launched.

Rail Pastors, a group made up of trained volunteers from churches, will patrol platforms and trains on the line between Stourbridge and Birmingham Snow Hill looking out for vulnerable and distressed people.

In 2016, officers in the West Midlands attended more than 460 mental health incidents, some of them suspected suicide attempts, on the railways.

They also made 80 interventions.

The team of 18 volunteers from Stourbridge and Bewdley Street Pastors – who have undergone training provided by Samaritans and rail safety courses – will travel on London Midland trains.