Platforms for Change: Scouts x The Rail Industry

The Scout Association

Scouts is the UK’s largest mixed youth movement, helping 444,000 young people step up, dream big and gain skills for life.

The Rail Industry is committed to keeping passengers and the public safe when using trains, stations and level crossings, and supporting local communities.

Through their innovative partnership, Scouts and The Rail Industry (made up of representatives of Network Rail, British Transport Police and Community Rail Network) have helped over 150,000 young people understand the dangers of the railways, educating them how to use the railway safely, now and into the future.

Creating opportunities for learning and community engagement, the partnership has helped Beaver and Cub Scouts (young people aged 6- 10½) earn 28,000 badges in 2023. In addition, we’ve reached over 15,000 10½ to 18 year olds with video and educational materials, and tens of thousands more through our online activities.

In addition, 180 local Scout Groups have signed up for our Platforms for Change local initiative to match Scout groups to nearby stations to improve community links and improve understanding of the railways. This is creating opportunities for intergenerational engagement, promoting kinder, stronger, local communities.