Schoolchildren along the Cambrian Line will be taught how to safely navigate the railway thanks to a new collaboration between the Cambrian Railway Partnership and Rail Safe Friendly.
Pupils from almost 100 primary and secondary schools within 3km of the Cambrian Line will be taught about the dangers of trespassing on railways and level crossings to raise awareness and prevent injuries.
Rail Safe Friendly, which is run by digital education provider Learn Live, was launched in March 2023 and delivers Network Rail’s video safety content directly to schools via the Learn Live Channel. There are already over 1,400 UK schools on board with the programme and industry partners from across the rail sector have sponsored and become partners in it.
Claire Williams, CRP Development Officer, said: “The Cambrian Railway Partnership sees educating children and young people in how to be safe around the railways as a significant priority, as our line has the most level crossings than any other in Wales. We are delighted to be working with Rail Safe Friendly to deliver this programme to thousands of school pupils and youth groups such as the Scouts.
“We believe that early engagement with young people will help prevent them taking unnecessary risks. They will be able to make smarter, more educated choices when it comes to their safety and behaviour around level crossings and on trains.”
Stuart Heaton, Founder and Managing Director of Learn Live and Rail Safe Friendly, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the Cambrian Railway Partnership to the Rail Safe Friendly programme. Thanks to their support, vital rail safety education will be delivered directly to hundreds of children living close to the Cambrian Line.
“It is a great testament to the Cambrian Railway Partnership’s investment in the communities it serves that it is supporting Rail Safe Friendly to ensure young people are educated about the dangers of trespassing on the railway.”
The Cambrian Railway Partnership would also like to hear from organisations who work with children and young people Not in Education, Employment and Training (NEET) to deliver this important initiative. Email hello@thecambrianline.co.uk to get involved.
Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from the Cambrian Railway Partnership via their website.
