Southern and Thameslink have announced an investment of £300,000 in community projects aimed at tackling youth antisocial behaviour across the South Coast.

This new initiative is placing youth workers on trains to Brighton and providing mentoring to help young people access employment opportunities.

One of the projects receiving the rail operator’s 2026-27 ‘Your Station, Your Community’ funding is named On The Tracks. This project has received £49,522 and is being delivered in partnership with the Brighton Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP).

Trained youth workers are being deployed on services from hotspot areas and at Brighton station on key dates when large numbers of young people are expected to travel into the city.

The scheme aims to provide an early intervention presence on trains and at the station, offering support before young people become involved in higher-risk situations. Where necessary, referrals can be made to statutory agencies and support services.

The outreach programme began on 22 May, with workers engaging young people on services between East Croydon and Brighton. On its first day, around one young person every two minutes interacted with the initiative.

A dedicated youth outreach bus near the station provides mentoring and welfare support, while police patrols along Queen’s Road and Southern Rail Enforcement Officers help strengthen safeguarding efforts across the city.

Your Station, Your Community aims to support schemes designed to reduce antisocial behaviour, safeguard vulnerable young people, and prevent exploitation and criminal involvement.

“Our huge network can play a holistic role in tackling these societal issues contributing to antisocial behaviour, in addition to the close partnerships we have with the police and other agencies already.

“The Your Station, Your Community fund invests in projects that enrich the communities we serve, and we’re proud to contribute to making them vibrant places to live, visit and work ”

Rebecca Butler, Southern and Thameslink’s Safeguarding Manager.

“We’re keen to forge a positive connection with these young people early on, rather than stepping in only when something goes wrong or behaviour needs challenging

“By engaging with people onboard trains, on their way into the city, we’re able to help them think ahead: who they’re going to meet, where they’re going, and how they might be getting home – all in order to help them enjoy the city more safely.”

Adam Muirhead, Director of Youth Work at the Trust for Developing Communities.