Keeping people safe has always been at the heart of Carlisle while that commitment is demonstrated every day across Britain’s rail network, it extends far beyond stations and infrastructure.
Over the past year, Carlisle has continued to invest in the next generation through its partnership with Rail Safe Friendly, helping thousands of young people better understand the dangers of the railway while inspiring them to consider future careers within the industry.
The results speak for themselves! Sponsoring 20 schools this year, Carlisle has helped deliver life-saving rail safety education to 10,258 young people, while generating an impressive £291,942.68 in social value. More importantly, the programme is creating lasting behavioural change, equipping young people with the knowledge to make safer decisions and helping protect communities for years to come.
Delivering Social Value Beyond the Railway
Supporting Rail Safe Friendly showcases our wider commitment to creating meaningful social value wherever it operates. By bringing rail safety education directly into classrooms, Carlisle is helping tackle industry’s most significant challenges, reducing railway trespass and encouraging safer behaviour among young people before incidents occur.
Every single one of Carlisle’s twenty sponsored engaged with the programme, demonstrating the growing importance of embedding rail safety education into everyday learning, , a 100% participation rate that Rail Safe Friendly itself described as fantastic.
Safety Messages into Lasting Lessons
A highlight of this year’s programme was Carlisle’s visit to Cockburn Laurence Calvert Academy, where students took part in an engaging rail safety and careers session delivered by Paul Brewer, our Head of Operations Security and Events (North), alongside Matt Greenwood, Contract Manager at Carlisle and Marc Greaves, Training Manager at Carlisle.
Rather than simply presenting information to students, the team encouraged students to participate through interactive discussions using practical demonstrations and real-life examples, helping them understand the consequences of unsafe behaviour around the railway.
Students learned about the dangers of railway trespass and the hidden risks posed by overhead line equipment, including how electricity can arc through the air without direct contact, making railway infrastructure far more dangerous than many realise.
One of the session’s most powerful moments came through the screening of Tom’s Story, a moving account of a young man whose decision to trespass onto the railway resulted in life-changing injuries. The personal story brought the safety messages to life, encouraging students to reflect on the impact that one unsafe decision can have on individuals, families, railway colleagues and passengers alike.
The session concluded with an interactive rail safety quiz, allowing students to test their understanding while reinforcing the key messages in a memorable way.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Alongside vital safety education, the visit also introduced students to the wide range of careers available across the rail industry.
From operations and security to customer service and management, students gained an insight into a sector that continues to evolve through innovation and investment in people. Discussions also explored how today’s railway offers rewarding careers, professional development and opportunities for people from all backgrounds.
Drawing on more than 40 years of experience across operational and leadership roles, Paul Brewer shared his own career journey and the opportunities the railway has provided throughout his working life.
Paul Brewer, Head of Operations Security & Events (North), said:
“Rail safety education is about giving young people the confidence to make the right decisions before they ever find themselves in a dangerous situation. Every conversation, every question and every lesson help build safer communities.”
“At the same time, it’s important we show young people that the railway is also an exciting place to build a career. After more than 40 years in the industry, I have seen the opportunities it can provide, and if we can inspire even one young person to stay safe or consider a future in rail, then we have made a real difference,” he said.
Recognising Excellence
The success of the visit was reflected in Cockburn Laurence Calvert Academy achieving Rail Safe Friendly Gold Certification, recognising the school’s outstanding commitment to embedding rail safety education and going above and beyond to keep its students informed. The achievement demonstrates the value of strong partnerships between education and industry, ensuring important safety messages continue to reach young people long after classroom session ended.
A Promise, Renewed
As Carlisle enters another year of its partnership with Rail Safe Friendly, the organisation remains committed to building on this success and extending its positive impact across even more communities.
With 20 schools supported, 10,258 young people reached and £291,942.68 in social value generated, the partnership continues to demonstrate that education is one of the most effective ways to improve rail safety and protect future generations.
Creating a safer railway starts long before someone steps onto a platform instead starts with education, awareness and investing in the communities of tomorrow.
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