South Western Railway (SWR) has joined forces with Railway Children and South Bank BID to launch an innovative initiative designed to protect and support vulnerable young people in and around London Waterloo, one of Britain’s busiest railway stations.

The new 12-month Youth Outreach Pilot Scheme aims to identify and assist young people under 18 who may be experiencing homelessness, family breakdown, or exploitation, or who are otherwise at risk. The programme seeks to ensure that those in need of help can access the right services quickly and compassionately.

Jointly funded by SWR’s Customer and Community Improvement Fund and South Bank BID, the scheme will see a dedicated Railway Children Youth Outreach Worker based permanently at Waterloo Station. Their role will focus on building trust with vulnerable young people, offering support, and connecting them to local agencies while strengthening partnerships between the rail industry, police, and community services.

Education and collaboration are central to the project’s goals. The Outreach Worker will lead awareness sessions for railway staff, the British Transport Police (BTP), and employees from surrounding shops, restaurants and venues, helping them to identify vulnerable young people and respond effectively. By intervening early, the initiative aims to prevent young people from being drawn into unsafe or exploitative situations and to address the root causes of their vulnerability.

The programme will also extend into the wider community, engaging schools, colleges, youth groups, and Lambeth Council’s Youth Engagement Service to promote understanding and build a network of local support. Insights from the 12-month pilot will be used to develop best practice for how transport hubs and local communities across the UK can work together to safeguard young people.

Peter Williams, SWR’s Customer and Commercial Director, said:

“London Waterloo is the biggest station on our network, with over 260,000 people travelling through every day. We are proud to support this project through our Customer and Communities Improvement Fund and play our part in making our stations a safer and more supportive environment for everyone – especially vulnerable young people. By working with South Bank BID and Railway Children, we’re helping to ensure that our stations can offer support where it is needed most.”

Alex Valenzuela, Director of Place at South Bank BID, added:

“Partnership working is at the heart of what we do, and this initiative is a great example of how collaboration can bring real change. By working alongside Railway Children, South Western Railway, British Transport Police, Lambeth Council, and other local partners, we’re helping to create a safer, more supportive South Bank and Waterloo – one where vulnerable young people are recognised, protected, and given the help they need.”

Gaynor Little, UK Programme Manager at Railway Children, said:

“We are really grateful for the opportunity to expand our UK provision with this new role based at London Waterloo. Within the first few weeks of the role, we have already been able to directly support vulnerable young people found missing and at risk, working with British Transport Police to return them home to safety. By working with Train Operating Companies, BTP and the wider rail community, we can help raise awareness of vulnerable young people on the rail network and help change common misconceptions. It’s important that anyone who spots a vulnerable young person knows to contact BTP on 61016, who then work with our teams to provide the required support.”

The pilot scheme will run throughout the next year, with partners hoping it will lay the groundwork for similar initiatives at other major transport hubs nationwide.

Image: South Western Railway