Cindy Knowles

Said the following about Bridget Nolan and Jeremy Rogers:

“Nomination for Rail Staff Award- Safety Person or Team Award

I have nominated Bridget Nolan and Jeremy Rogers for their Multi Establishment, Safety, Security and Guidance Event (Message).

This idea was formulated after a walk around London Bridge station. As Rail Enforcement officers (REO) they understand the many different issues passenger face, they repeatedly deal with issues such as: begging, homelessness, street drinking, vulnerable people, mental health, and county lines, they started to look at an alternative way they could reach out.

The REO Passenger Security Awareness Events (PSAE) were already done but they took that premise and added to it. They included: cycle surgeries (for the Bike Registry) speaking to Samaritans and local charities to see if they would attend to offer support and information to passengers.

A questionnaire was prepared with specific questions, to see how they felt about security, safety and their experiences of anti-social behaviour and how to report it.

The first station was London Bridge on the 19 June 2023, involving: Samaritans, local charities, GTR Suicide Prevention Manager and the GTR Chaplain.

This first event went well, and led to another 4 stations, East Croydon, Gatwick, Three Bridges and Peckham Rye.

To date

Questionnaires: 308 Bikes marked: 38

Others involved

BTP (British Transport Police)

Samaritans - Experts in listening and offering support to all, nationwide.

Railway Children - Specialize in safeguarding vulnerable young people up to 18yr, dealing with poverty, violence, abuse and neglect in young people including county lines.

The Manna Centre - Drop-in centre offering services to the homeless, providing hot meals, shower, cleaning facilities, advice and guidance.

EMMAUS - Provide housing and ongoing services, support to the homeless community.

Salvation Army - Support homeless, lonely, vulnerable individuals, refugees and asylum seekers.

PECAN - Day centre for all, hot food, support for homeless people, a women's only centre, help people get back into jobs after being in prison or long-term unemployment.

Crawley Open House - A 24/7 walk in centre, providing accommodation, food, and other services.

Refugees Welcome Crawley - Help refugees and asylum seekers, providing advice, support, clothing, bikes, furniture, and other personal items.

What’s next?

They are planning their next event at Victoria to tie in with the White Ribbon Day (25 November) on 24 November, highlighting violence towards women and girls and vulnerable female travellers. BTP are launching an initiative concerning safe spaces on the network for females and this will be incorporating in this event.

GTR Safeguarding and Wellbeing Manager - Laura Campbell, added.

The MESSAGE events have been fantastic to bring together different charities according to the demographic of the station.

For example a homeless support charity gave advice to one person that was terrified they would be deported.

Another lady with dementia was helped to safety after showing up at the station lost and confused and was treated with compassion and respect.

With all these events we are reaching those that may not know where to turn and helping others to signpost to those in need. There is also reassurance given and advice on how to travel safely on our network. Bridget and Jeremy have worked hard to pull these successful events together and should be proud of the success and collaboration.“