Derby County Community Trust have delivered the 'You Vs Train' message to over 800 teenagers on their NCS programme and community outreach sessions over the 2019/20 season so far.
The campaign has seen Network Rail join forces with the EFL Trust to promote crucial messages around key dangers that are present on the railway.
NCS is a four-week summer programme which prepares 16 and 17 year olds leaving school for the next stage of their lives. Other community sessions include our network of PL Kicks and sports sessions across Derby and Derbyshire.
Derby has been identified as a hot-spot where rail-related accidents and deaths are above the national average. The campaign aims to teach 11-18 year-olds about the hidden dangers of the railway, including the electrified third rail, overhead lines and facts about trains themselves where dangers might be unclear.
First-team players Curtis Davies, Max Bird and Graeme Shinnie have supported through lending their support to the campaign video and via social media.
Each wave on our NCS programme have taken part in a 'You Vs Train' workshop during Phase 2 of their four week project and learnt about the important safety messages that the campaign is emphasising.
Sessions have included interactive quizzes, poster presentations and inter-group competitions. All participants have reported learning at least one new fact about the railway that they were unaware of and have spread the message to friends and family.
Teenagers across our community sessions have also learnt about the key messages the campaign provides and as a result are now much more aware of the danger the railway can produce.
Simon Doherty, NCS Manager at Derby County Community Trust, said: “NCS is all about ensuring young people leaving school are prepared for the world around them as they move into further education, apprenticeships or careers.
“The You vs Train campaign has highlighted a key message that our teenagers need to know and we are pleased to have been able to help Network Rail and the EFL Trust in getting this information out there.
“The support from players is also key in ensuring the message as heard as they act as role models to many, and their involvement has helped us to spread the word further through our online channels too.”
