New rail safety project launched by South Western Railway

South Western Railway has invested £40,000 in an initiative with leading charity UK Youth in an attempt to raise awareness of rail safety in young people.

The project is aimed at educating young people about the dangers of trespass and vandalism on the railway along with the terrible risks of level crossing misuse.

Targeting those aged 11 to 25 years of age from disadvantaged backgrounds, the project will take place at UK Youths leading outdoor learning venue, Avon Tyrrell Outdoor Centre which is located in the New Forest National Park.

The project will come as part of South Western Railways ongoing work to support the local communities which it services using its Customer and Communities Improvement Fund and will run throughout the winter and spring months of 2022.

Young people taking part in the course will get a chance to participate in both activities and workshops raising their awareness of rail safety.

Veronika Krcalova, CCIF Manager at South Western Railway, commented: “We are always looking for new ways to improve railway safety and support the communities that our network serves. Our partnership with UK Youth is a great opportunity to engage with younger customers and educate them on the operations and risks of a railway. In turn, we hope that it will improve both the safety of those participating in the course, as well as other customers.”

David Watts, Director of Outdoor Learning, UK Youth, said: “UK Youth is very grateful to South Western Railway for this funding, which will enable us to use outdoor learning as a powerful tool to educate young people on the risks associated with railways. Following the additional challenges Covid-19 has sadly brought for young people over the past 18 months, providing young people with opportunities such as this that utilise outdoor learning and physical activity to deliver vital life skills, and support good citizenship, have never been more important.”

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