Southeast Communities Rail Partnership organised a collaborative event at Reading Station as part of the White Ribbon campaign to end violence against women and girls.

The CRP were joined by representatives from Network Rail, Reading Borough Council, Community Rail Network, Hampshire CRP, British Transport Police and Great Western Railway for the event, which saw the team speak with hundreds of passengers travelling through the busy station. Organisers and volunteers provided cards with details of White Ribbon UK and other services where people can seek support, such as Berkshire Women’s Aid.

This event tied in with another delivered by Southeast Communities Rail Partnership on the same day, where over 6,000 knitted white hearts were distributed to passengers at 20 stations across the partnership’s network as a symbol of care, kindness and solidarity on White Ribbon Day.

Sara Grisewood, North Downs Line officer (part of Southeast Communities Rail Partnership), said: “This year’s campaign focussed on the theme ‘We Speak Up’ and the day encouraged people, especially men, to speak out against sexism and challenge harmful behaviours that contribute to violence against women and girls.

“We were really pleased with the outcomes and feedback from this event and intend to repeat it for next year’s White Ribbon campaign.”

Jenni Jones, community rail support officer for England (South) at Community Rail Network, said: “Despite the cold, this was undoubtedly one of the most heartwarming and meaningful events I’ve attended on behalf of Community Rail Network. I spoke to dozens of passengers throughout the evening, emphasising the importance of reporting incidents of harassment, and showing them they are cared for through the beautiful white hearts. I was thanked again and again for talking about this very challenging issue, and a few tears were shed!”

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from Southeast Communities Rail Partnership via their website.