This week we officially launched our partnership with Foundation 92 (F92), in collaboration with Avanti West Coast, Northern, TPE, BTP, and Network Rail, to launch a pioneering education programme aimed at engaging young people in positive activities and behaviour change mentoring in and around the railway in Greater Manchester.
F92 are a Manchester-based charitable foundation committed to empowering and supporting communities through sport, education, and mentoring.
The first of its kind in the UK, this innovative initiative brings together industry partners to address the issue of reckless behaviour on the railway, promoting responsible rail safety, and engaging with young people involved in negative activities while raising awareness of the serious risks associated with the railway.
Latest figures from Network Rail show that in the North West there were 2,098 trespass incidents on the region’s rail network in the last financial year (2022/23), 22% per cent of which (around 471) involved young people under the age of 18.
The educational programme will include visits to maintenance depots, and operations centres, to provide a first-hand understanding of the railway, as well as an insight into the roles and responsibilities of those who work in the industry.
The programme will start on 01 September, with 7-day a week deployment across the Greater Manchester train network extending to Macclesfield, enabling the team to reach and positively impact a wide range of young people in the community.
Nick Chadwick, CrossCountry Regional Director for West Midlands and North West said, “We are proud to be supporting the project, engaging with young people to change their attitudes and educate them more about the railways to make it safer for all.”
