The winning logos for Learn Live’s Rail Safe Friendly initiative has been unveiled by former Rail Minister Chris Heaton-Harris MP.
Hosted at Guilsborough Academy, Northampton in March 2023, the Rail Safe Friendly launch event builds on the success of a five-year digital campaign aimed to educate young people across the UK on rail safety. The initiative provides schools and the rail industry with an opportunity to work together using content from Network Rail’s Switched On! rail safety website.
All schools and industry partners that are part of the initiative will now display the Rail Safe Friendly logo on their website to showcase their involvement and support.
Year 9 Design and Technology students from Guilsborough Academy created the winning logo concept, which has now been professionally produced and was revealed at the event by Chris Heaton-Harris MP.
Learn Live runs innovative, interactive, moderated online News Channels that bring a world of opportunity and experiences directly into the classroom, home, or business. Since 2019, Learn Live’s ‘You Vs Train’ campaign has reached over 17 million young people in 10,500 schools across the UK in collaboration with the Trespass Improvement Team at Network Rail.
The campaign delivers rail safety messages through live or on demand content digitally into classrooms and assembly halls via the Learn Live platform. The system also has a moderated, GDPR compliant live chat facility to promote interaction and involvement from the schools/colleges taking part in the initiative.
Chris Heaton-Harris MP said: “I was delighted to attend the launch of a national rail safety initiative at Guilsborough Academy. It was really lovely to meet the students and the teachers from the Academy, representatives from Learn Live, and the invited guests. Well done to the Year 9 students on their amazing logo designs.
“When I was Rail Minister, I became very aware of the dangers on the railways and I wish to thank all the members of the rail industry and everyone involved in important initiatives such as this, for their work in raising awareness, educating and helping to keep people safe.”
Supt Alison Evans said: “The rail industry and British Transport Police make strenuous efforts to educate young people about the dangers of the rail network – whether it be the dangers of the tracks, the risk of electricity from overhead lines or the speed of the trains themselves. But still, not all children and young people are aware of these risks which is why we welcome Learn Live’s initiative to develop an accreditation scheme for schools.
“With schools demonstrating their commitment to rail safety to achieve accreditation we know that these lifesaving messages are reaching young people in a way that is engaging, accessible and understandable. Together with Learn Live and our industry partners we can build a sustainable safety legacy to protect our young people.”
Stuart Heaton, founder of Learn Live, said: “We’re delighted to continue our work with Network Rail and increase rail safety awareness amongst young people across the UK, ultimately saving lives through this compelling and engaging digital delivery having now reached over 17 million young people.”
