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Tuesday 23 Apr 2024

Network Rail Scotland and Netball Scotland announce three-year partnership

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

Network Rail Scotland and Netball Scotland have extended their education partnership to spread vital rail safety messages to young people across Scotland. This a timely announcement as the railway delivers their annual spring safety campaign.

The organisations have been working together since autumn 2021 to increase visibility of Network Rail Scotland’s safety campaign within schools in trespass hotspots and locations of concern.

Over the next three years, Network Rail Scotland and Netball Scotland will work together to educate young people across Scotland about safety on the railway whilst they attend school and netball competitions.

During the previous partnership, almost 1,000 young girls benefitted from the programme in 42 schools and 5 netball camps with 9,582 social media views.

By the end of this 3-year partnership (2026) Network Rail Scotland plan to reach at least a further 2,000 young people (both boys and girls) with their safety messaging.

Ross Moran, Route Director for Network Rail Scotland, said: “We’re really proud to be launching this new three-year partnership with Netball Scotland.

“Safety on and around the railway is our priority and education is key to help shape behaviours and raise awareness of the dangers of trespass.

“By continuing our work with Netball Scotland, we’ll help young people improve their netball skills while delivering important and life-saving rail safety messages.

“While the partnership is renewed, our message remains simple – stay safe, stay off the tracks.”

Carol Harvey, Director of Development for Netball Scotland, said: “We are delighted to join forces in a game-changing partnership, uniting the court and the railway tracks in a mission of safety and empowerment.

“Through netball, this innovative approach aims to educate and inspire our young people on the crucial importance of staying safe near railways and learning key health improvement messages.

“By leveraging the universal language of sport, we not only score points on the court but also deliver life-saving lessons off it.

“Through our collaboration, we are shaping safer communities and brighter futures.”

The safety programme will be delivered in a digital format with eight topical modules relating to personal safety and mental health. This will offer flexibility and scope to educate different year groups about staying safe near the railway.