This year, a Christmas film has been created to raise awareness of vulnerable young people on the rail network.

Avanti West Coast has partnered with Railway Children to produce the film, which has been written and directed by Daisy-May Hudson.

It aims to highlight the signs of a runaway child and how passengers cannot notice them. The film is also exactly five minutes long, as that is the rate at which a child runs away.

One in three adults reported being more distracted at Christmas, and four in five would not be able to spot a runaway.

The film named Your Presence Is Presents Enough shows the reality of runaways’ lives using real-life stories and helps passengers know what to look out for.

Advertising and signage will also be put up at stations along Avanti’s network to help people know what to do if they spot a runaway.

“We’re proud to partner with Railway Children to raise awareness about this important issue. Everyone has a role to play in protecting vulnerable children – especially at Christmas when the railway is at its busiest, which is why we’re asking people to look up during their journey. Our film aims to give those travelling by rail the confidence to spot the signs and report concerns, so we can help keep even more young people safe.” 

Natalie Richbell-Beer, Safeguarding and Crime Manager at Avanti West Coast