Avanti West Coast has teamed up with the children’s charity Railway Children to launch a hard-hitting Christmas short film designed to raise awareness of vulnerable young people travelling alone during the festive season. The five-minute film, Your Presence Is Presents Enough, is now live on the train operator’s YouTube channel and encourages the public to stay alert and recognise the signs of a runaway child while travelling.
The collaboration aims to reach passengers at a time when, according to new research, more than one in three adults feel more distracted during the festive rush, and 78% of Brits say they wouldn’t confidently spot a runaway child. With one child running away every five minutes—and many using the UK rail network to do so—the campaign is a reminder that staying aware could save a young person from serious risk.
A Short Film With a Big Message
Written and directed by BAFTA Breakthrough filmmaker Daisy-May Hudson, the emotive short uses real-life storytelling to expose the hidden realities faced by vulnerable young people. The film also highlights Railway Children’s AT RISK acronym—Attitude, Time of day, Relationship, Instinct, Safety, Keeping a low profile—giving passengers practical guidance on what to watch for during their journey.
Hudson’s trauma-informed approach builds on her previous work, including her documentary Half Way and her feature Lollipop. For Your Presence Is Presents Enough, she collaborated with Railway Children youth ambassadors to ensure the film centred lived experience and genuine insight.
Raising Awareness on the Rail Network
The campaign doesn’t stop at the film. Throughout December, stations across the West Coast Main Line will play announcements explaining how passengers can respond if they believe a child may be at risk. Signage has also been installed at stations including Crewe and Stockport, reminding travellers to stay vigilant amid the seasonal crowds.
Internal distractions play a major role in missed warning signs: nearly half of adults admit to being absorbed in Christmas shopping on their phones, while 50% say they simply daydream through their trips. For many, the idea of checking on an unaccompanied child wouldn’t even cross their mind—over a third of people say they wouldn’t think twice about a child travelling alone, and a fifth say they would never question a child in school uniform outside of school hours.
Why Awareness Matters More Than Ever
With a third of adults travelling by train more frequently during the holidays, the timing of this campaign is crucial. Shockingly, fewer than 20% of people know that most runaway children use the railway network. The combination of busy stations, festive distractions, and increased footfall makes December a high-risk period—one where simply “looking up” can make a meaningful difference.
Natalie Richbell-Beer, Safeguarding and Crime Manager at Avanti West Coast, emphasised the importance of the public’s role:
“Everyone has a role to play in protecting vulnerable children – especially at Christmas when the railway is at its busiest. Our film aims to give those travelling by rail the confidence to spot the signs and report concerns so we can help keep even more young people safe.”
Rob Capener, Chief Executive of Railway Children, echoed this:
“If a child appears at risk, please tell station staff or text British Transport Police on 61016. Your vigilance could help keep a vulnerable child safe.”
Director Daisy-May Hudson added:
“I’m very proud of this film and its reminder of what’s important at Christmas—human connection and looking out for one another. There is great power in film to help us truly see people, especially those who may feel invisible.”
What To Do If You’re Concerned
If you believe a young person may be AT RISK, remember:
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Trust your instincts.
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Tell station staff immediately.
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Or text 61016 to reach the British Transport Police.
During this busy time of year, a moment of awareness could change the direction of a child’s journey.
