Foundation helping youngsters stay safe around railways

Sunderland teenagers have been learning about the dangers involved with trespassing on railway lines thanks to the You Vs Train programme delivered by Foundation of Light. In May of this year, the EFL Trust launched a new partnership with Network Rail, British Transport Police (BTP) and StreetGames to help tackle the increasing number of people risking their lives on the railway. Figures reveal over 250 incidents a week have been recorded by people taking risks on the railway – taking short-cuts, capturing photos and even ‘train surfing’ – sometimes with tragic consequences. Young people (under 18s) make up one of the largest categories, responsible for a third of all cases. All EFL Clubs are involved in the campaign with activity ranging from social media posts to player messages. As part of the initiative Foundation of Light have been working in local Secondary Schools and through workshops at the Beacon of Light to help youngsters understand the dangers of trainlines and the wider impact risky behaviour can have on friends and family. Jas Singh, Secondary Education Lead at Foundation of Light commented: “Trespassing on the railway network is a growing problem and in 2018 it reached a five-year high.

People don’t always understand the dangers they put themselves and others in when they make the choice to step on the track.

"Thanks to the EFL Trust and their partners we’re able to run workshops which highlight these issues and help youngsters stay healthy and safe.”