Story Highlight
– £724,000 social value impact on rail safety education.
– Lumo and Hull Trains support lasts for three years.
– Mini express train promotes rail safety during school holidays.
– Positive feedback from schools highlights engagement and importance.
– Partnership aims to prevent railway trespass and save lives.
Full Story
In a significant initiative aimed at enhancing rail safety education, Lumo and Hull Trains have reaffirmed their commitment to the Rail Safe Friendly Programme, a collaborative effort that has generated a social value impact exceeding £724,000. This programme is dedicated to instilling awareness about the importance of rail safety among young audiences, educators, and parents across educational institutions in the UK. For the past two years, these operators have been instrumental in promoting this crucial message, and their renewed support for a third consecutive year underscores their dedication to the cause.
One of the remarkable strategies undertaken this year was Lumo’s takeover of the Metrocentre’s ‘mini express train’. This move was aimed at engaging families and children visiting the shopping centre during the school holidays in 2024, effectively integrating enjoyable and interactive experiences with essential safety messages. The initiative not only garners attention from the public but has also received formal recognition at the recent Corporate Engagement Awards, which celebrate impactful partnerships and their outcomes.
Feedback from schools participating in the programme has been overwhelmingly positive. Teachers and administrators have expressed that students were “very engaged from start to finish,” emphasising the importance of incorporating rail safety education into curricula across the nation. There is a growing consensus among educators that such safety knowledge should be a standard aspect of school education, ensuring children are well-informed about the potential hazards associated with railways from an early age.
Stuart Jones, Managing Director of First Rail Open Access, highlighted the crucial nature of the topic. He stated, “Rail safety is an extremely important topic that matters to everyone. It is vital to educate pupils from a young age on the dangers of trespassing and the risk it poses to lives, as well as the unnecessary delays and cancellations it can cause.” Furthermore, he expressed great pride in the partnership’s achievements, citing the remarkable reach of the programme to thousands of young individuals throughout the UK, and he welcomed the continuation of this collaborative effort into the upcoming year.
The project has been led by David Hughes, the Interim Head of Safety and Sustainability at Lumo and Hull Trains. He expressed appreciation for the collaboration with Rail Safe Friendly, stating, “It’s been a real privilege to partner with the Rail Safe Friendly team to deliver information that will stay with these young people for the rest of their lives.” Hughes emphasised the necessity of early education in rail safety, asserting the companies’ commitment to ensuring that these critical lessons permeate school environments.
Stuart Heaton, Managing Director of Learn Live and Rail Safe Friendly, also spoke positively about the ongoing partnership. He remarked, “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Lumo and Hull Trains and we are sincerely grateful for their ongoing support.” Heaton acknowledged the renewal of the contract as a reflection of the rail industry’s collective resolve to make safety education accessible to youth throughout the UK. He noted, “Thanks to the continued support of Lumo and Hull Trains, we have achieved outstanding results this year, reaching more young people than ever before with vital rail safety education.”
This collaborative effort highlights the broader commitment within the rail sector to address safety concerns and equip younger generations with the knowledge needed to navigate potential risks associated with railways. Through engaging and impactful educational content, the partnership aims not only to prevent injuries but also to ultimately save lives. As they look ahead, both Lumo and Hull Trains, in conjunction with Rail Safe Friendly, are eager to build on their achievements and expand their influence in promoting rail safety in schools across the country.
Key Takeaways
– Over £724,000 social value impact from the Rail Safe Friendly Programme.
– Thousands of young people educated on rail safety in UK schools.
– Lumo and Hull Trains renew support for a third year.
– Partnership includes a ‘mini express train’ initiative at Metrocentre for school holidays 2024.
– Positive feedback from schools on student engagement and the need for rail safety education.
– Industry recognition at the Corporate Engagement Awards.
– Continued commitment to preventing railway trespass through education.
Fantastic to see targeted education making a measurable difference. Engaging families and young people where they are with interactive experiences helps build lasting safety habits. Continued partnership and investment in school programmes will reduce trespass incidents and keep communities safer around the railway.
Excellent to see operators investing in proactive education to reduce risky behaviour around the railway. Reaching young people through accessible, hands on experiences and close partnership with schools is the most effective way to change attitudes and prevent harm. Continuing to measure and report social value helps demonstrate impact and justify ongoing support.
Excellent to see targeted education reaching young people and families. Practical initiatives that combine engagement with clear safety messages are vital for changing behaviour and reducing risky actions near the railway. Continued partnership working with schools and community venues helps embed those messages early and supports a safer environment for everyone.