CAF has partnered with Rail Safe Friendly to educate thousands more school children about the dangers of trespassing on and near the railway.
The first rail manufacturer to partner with the programme, CAF Rail UK and CAF Rolling Stock UK are each sponsoring 10 schools in England and Wales in communities where the companies operate.
The partnership further demonstrates CAF’s commitment to social value initiatives, with all 20 selected schools having been nominated by CAF employees.
“Rail Safe Friendly is such an innovative way of helping children and young people understand the risks of the railway environment,” comments CAF Social Value Manager Kimberley Sweet-Roberts.
“Risks are easily ignored however, Harrison’s story is so impactful and drives home the reality, and the severity, of the dangers that our railways pose to those within our communities.
“It is great to see CAF, among others, taking a proactive approach to sharing rail safety education to thousands more children through this partnership.”
Rail Safe Friendly was launched in March 2023 and delivers Network Rail’s video safety content about the dangers of trespassing on railways directly to schools via digital education provider Learn Live, which since 2019, has reached over 21 million young people in over 12,500 schools across the UK in partnership with the Trespass Improvement Team at Network Rail.
The Learn Live channel also has a moderated, GDPR compliant “LIVE CHAT” facility to promote interaction and involvement from the schools and colleges taking part in Rail Safe Friendly.
Schools can achieve a bronze, silver or gold award depending on their level of outreach beyond delivering the training to students.
The programme was launched by Stuart Heaton, Learn Live and Rail Safe Friendly Managing Director, following the tragic death of 11-year-old Harrison Ballantyne who received a fatal electric shock after climbing over a fence to retrieve his football at a train depot.
More than 4,000 UK schools are already on board with the programme, which is raising awareness, saving lives and preventing injuries.
Learn Live broadcasts are delivered through live, or on demand, content digitally into classrooms and assembly halls with partners, like CAF Rail UK and CAF Rolling Stock UK, also delivering content in-person to create maximum impact.
Last week CAF Rail UK held the first partnership event at Knotty Ash Primary School in Liverpool, the first school in the city to take part in the Rail Safe Friendly programme.
James Harris, CAF Head of Compliance who instigated the Rail Safe Friendly partnership, joined by Lucie Blakeman, CAF Class 197 Team Leader, and supported by Northern’s Regional Community and Sustainability Manager Simon Abbott, delivered interactive activities to more than 150 pupils and teachers.
“I was inspired by the programme and the amazing drive of Liz Ballentyne, Stuart Heaton and the teams across the UK to deliver awareness across all UK schools and and it is a privilege to launch the initiative for CAF Rail UK,” comments James.
“Knotty Ash Primary is close to my heart as both my children attend the school and the fundamental reason I was immediately taken by the programme was to ensure they, their friends, and their families have the knowledge and awareness of railway dangers.”
Chris England, Deputy Head Teacher at Knotty Ash Primary School adds: “The workshop was extremely insightful and accessible to all children.
“The message was delivered in an extremely thought-provoking way that had an impact on the children, no matter their age. They came away with an excitement around wanting to pass the message on to others.”
Feedback from Knotty Ash Primary pupils demonstrates the messaging’s positive impact: “We learned that electricity can jump and can carry through the ground, and also the dangers of jumping over fences near a railway line. The story of the boy who died has really taught me to be safe in and around railway lines,” Flynn T
Stuart Heaton, founder and managing director at Learn Live, said: “We are delighted to welcome CAF as one of our partners at Rail Safe Friendly and it is great to see that they are already delivering vital rail safety messages to school children. I would like to thank CAF for their valued support.”
Businesses that want to partner with Rail Safe Friendly, or schools that want to be certified, can register their interest at www.railsafefriendly.com.
CAF Rail UK and CAF Rolling Stock UK will attend all 20 sponsored schools to rollout the partnership programme in the coming months.
