Southeastern Railway

This week is Baby Loss Awareness Week – a time to acknowledge the profound impact of losing a baby through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, or other circumstances. At Southeastern, we're launching 'Baby Steps' – a new peer support initiative designed to provide compassionate, confidential conversations for colleagues navigating the complex emotions of baby loss and bereavement. This initiative was shaped by Sera Bains, one of our Railway Enforcement Managers, who courageously shared her own experience of baby loss to help others feel genuinely understood and supported. Sera's influence is transforming how we approach these sensitive conversations, ensuring every individual's experience is validated and honoured. Baby Steps will complement our existing wellbeing support – including Mental Health Advocates and Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) – by offering an additional, peer-led option for those who need it. We believe no one should face these challenging moments alone. As we continue building a culture of compassion and understanding, we're reminded that creating space for difficult conversations is not just important – it's essential. https://lnkd.in/g8Adj2pw #BabyLossAwarenessWeek #WorkplaceWellbeing #PeerSupport #MentalHealthAtWork

Every second counts in a cardiac emergency. That's why we're delighted to have partnered with Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust for Restart a Heart Day. Today Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust resuscitation team set up on platform 1 at Maidstone East during rush hour, teaching commuters and school children lifesaving CPR techniques and how to use a defibrillator. With more than 30,000 cardiac arrests happening outside hospitals every year in the UK, yet only half of adults knowing how to respond in a medical emergency, events like this can truly save lives. Our colleague Sebastian Szymanski knows this first hand. In 2018, he and a colleague used a defibrillator at Maidstone East to help save a passenger's life before paramedics arrived. "Getting people home safe every day is part of the job, but training and knowledge can make a real difference," said Sebastian. "It was great to see so many passengers and staff taking time out of their busy mornings to learn what to do in an emergency." Lesley Higham, Resuscitation Officer at MTW, added: "Many commuters were surprised at how straightforward CPR is once you know the steps. It's incredibly empowering to witness people gain the confidence to act decisively in an emergency — because in those critical moments, their actions could mean the difference between life and death." Since 2022, we've had Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) at all Southeastern stations. In the last year alone, they've been used 243 times by station staff and passengers. Remember: If someone is in cardiac arrest, dial 999 immediately. The operator will guide you to the nearest defibrillator and provide the access code. Thank you to Maidstone East Station Manager Caroline Wallis and Area Manager David Atkinson for making this happen! Learn more about defibrillators at our stations: https://lnkd.in/enKNYaK5 #RestartAHeartDay #CPR #Lifesaving Photo Credit: Andy Jones Photography

💓 Learn Lifesaving Skills Tomorrow at Maidstone East Restart a Heart Day | Thursday 16 October 8.30am-9.30am | Platform 1 Tomorrow, we're partnering with Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust to give our customers the chance to learn vital CPR skills and how to use a defibrillator – skills that could save a life. More than 30,000 cardiac arrests occur outside hospital every year. The survival rate is less than 1 in 10. Only half of UK adults know how to help in a medical emergency. Staff from the hospital resuscitation team along with our colleagues including Sebastian Szymanski - who discovered the importance of these skills first-hand in 2018 when a passenger was taken ill at Maidstone East. Whether you're commuting through or have a few minutes to spare, stop by Platform 1 and learn skills that could help you save a life. Your few minutes tomorrow could mean everything to someone in an emergency. 💙 Additionally 📅 St John Ambulance will be at Margate Station tomorrow, offering CPR and defibrillator training to customers between 07:00 and 12:00. To learn more about defibrillators at Southeastern stations and find out where your nearest defibrillator is located, visit: https://lnkd.in/eHbdFsJz #RestartAHeartDay #CPR #Lifesaving #CommunitySafety #MaidstoneEast #FirstAid #SaveALife #Margate

Our partnership with Missing People charity has reached a significant milestone. As of Monday 13 October, we've launched a scheme offering safe and free travel to help missing people get home. When Missing People locates someone who needs to get home, they contact our Eyewitness team with a pre-agreed code. This allows us to arrange free travel immediately and ensures our colleagues on the route are ready to provide support. "This is a huge step forward for our collaboration with Missing People Charity and re-uniting families with their loved ones," says Safeguarding Liaison Manager Gemma Lemon (Davis). Our customer-facing colleagues are often in a unique position to make a real difference. That's why our Safeguarding team has established a network of Missing People Ambassadors – colleagues who dedicate time alongside their daily duties to raise awareness and support others who may encounter missing people on our network. Conductor Instructor and Ambassador Alexander Gresswell shares his experience: "After settling into my day-to-day role, I wanted to see if there was anything else I could do... Nearly a year in, I am sure that I made the right decision." Alexander even organized our participation in Missing People's Monopoly-themed walk with just two weeks' notice, helping to raise vital awareness across the transport sector. This initiative is funded through our Customer and Community Improvement Fund (CCIF), which continues to make a real difference in our local community. #MissingPeople #CCIF https://lnkd.in/g7H3aAA

A couple of weeks ago, Muslims in Rail (MiR) and cultuRAIL’s Aysha Begum‑Farrugia, Driver at Grove Park, helped shape a landmark event – the launch of the Muslim Railway Heritage Exhibition and Documentary at the Houses of Parliament, part of the national Railway 200 celebrations.   The evening honoured pioneering Muslims whose dedication helped build Britain’s rail industry. We’re proud that Abul Rahman and Adam Ilyas featured in the film and display, sharing their stories from across the decades. Speakers Baroness Baroness Manzila Uddin, Sir Andrew Haines, Emma Roberts, and David Horne reflected on the importance of diversity, heritage and unity across the railway. “It was an honour to help bring this historic evening to life,” said Aysha. “These stories remind us that railways are built not just from steel and tracks, but from people and communities.” The exhibition will continue its journey – next stopping at Glasgow Central Station on 11 October. #MuslimsInRail #RailwayFamily #Railway200

Vote for Ramsgate Station in the World Cup of Stations... in the link here: ⭐https://lnkd.in/e6fTXjZg This year's theme is Britain's most life changing stations from the last 200 years as part of the Railway 200 celebrations! Ramsgate Station played a vital role during the Second World War, helping bring soldiers home from the Dunkirk evacuation. While many troops landed at Dover, those travelling to more distant areas relied on trains. Historical records show that 82 trains from Ramsgate carried just under 43,000 men, making the station a key hub in the operation. The station was also central to evacuating children from vulnerable towns and cities. In June 1940, over the course of just five hours, 3,255 children and 241 staff and helpers travelled by train from Ramsgate to Stafford, where they were placed with temporary foster families in safer, rural areas. These efforts ensured that thousands of children were removed from potential bombing targets and kept out of harm’s way. Ramsgate Station thus stands as a reminder of courage, coordination, and community during one of Britain’s most challenging periods. Beyond its platforms and tracks, it served as a place of safety, relief, and hope, helping both soldiers and children reach home and security at a time of great uncertainty. #WorldCupofStations, #Railway200  #R200

Last week we celebrated National Customer Service Week – and what an incredible week it was! Our teams across stations and head office reminded us what great customer service looks like. From Folkestone to Barnehurst, our people went above and beyond: handing out water and treats, had some lovely conversations, even giving out cuddly teddy bears to brighten commuters' days. As our Managing Director Steve White said: "Every day, you bring our values to life, listening with empathy, solving problems with care, and making sure our customers feel supported before, during, and after their journeys." The magic of this week wasn't just about special gestures – it was a reminder that excellent service happens every single day. Whether you're at the ticket office, on the platform, or supporting operations behind the scenes, you make a real difference. Below is a photo of our some of our fantastic Customer Relations team members, headed up by Yvonne Quinn #CustomerServiceWeek #Teamwork #PassengerExperience

Today, we recognise World Mental Health Day and the vital importance of mental health support in the workplace. Here at Southeastern, we're committed to ensuring our colleagues have access to comprehensive wellbeing services every day—not just once a year. Working on the railway means facing challenging and sometimes traumatic situations. That's why we've built a robust support network: 💚TRiM (Trauma Risk Management) – Peer-delivered support after traumatic incidents, helping colleagues process experiences and connect with professional help when needed. 💚Mental Health Advocates – Trained colleagues providing a safe, confidential space to talk, listen, and signpost appropriate support. 💚Sonder – 24/7 integrated wellbeing platform offering mental, physical, and safety support at any time, day or night. This year's theme—"Access to services – mental health in catastrophes and emergencies"—resonates deeply with our industry. Our colleagues are often first responders to unexpected events, and the emotional impact can be just as significant as physical challenges. As our Mental Health Lead Lee Woolcott-Ellis BEM reminds us: "Caring for your mental health is not a sign of weakness; it's a demonstration of strength." We're proud of advocates like Rebecca Bowers M.C.I.P.S and Steven Norfolk, who create supportive spaces for open conversations. Recently, Steve organised a Mental Health Walk and Talk at Slade Green, combining the railway with wellbeing—proving that sometimes a simple walk and chat can make all the difference. Our message today and every day: You are not alone. Support is always available. #WorldMentalHealthDay #MentalHealthMatters #RailwayIndustry #EmployeeWellbeing #PeerSupport #RailwayFamily

Every October, we take time to pause, reflect, and celebrate the histories, cultures, and contributions of Black people across the UK—contributions that have shaped not only our society, but our railway industry itself. At Southeastern, Black History Month is more than a date on the calendar. It's an opportunity to live our values of respect, inclusion, and service to the diverse communities we connect every day.   The afternoon, at Hastings Station, opened with a warm welcome from CultuRail Chair Rabin Kandel, who spoke about the importance of Black History Month and how the network aims to celebrate identity, support colleagues, and inspire change across Southeastern. The railway has always been built by people working together. Many Black Britons—including members of the Windrush Generation—found work on the railway, bringing skills, resilience, and dedication that helped keep the country moving and laid the foundations for the network we operate today. We're proud that colleagues of African and Caribbean heritage contribute across every area of our business, from front-line operations to leadership roles. Their perspectives and experiences help us deliver safer, more reliable, and more welcoming journeys. This month, we're celebrating with events, conversations, and reflections across our network. But our work doesn't stop here. We're committed year-round to: ✔Celebrating Black colleagues and role models in our industry ✔Learning from Black British history and its connection to public transport ✔Listening to our staff and passengers to ensure every journey feels inclusive ✔Removing barriers to opportunity within our organisation Black History Month matters because it's about recognising truth, celebrating achievement, and ensuring the journeys we make together lead to a more inclusive future. #BlackHistoryMonth #Inclusion #Diversity #RailwayIndustry

We are loving this reflection from Rutuja Patil on their experience as an Accessibility Advocate Intern from the University of West London with us through the Purpose Lab (via The Purpose Coalition). Rujita's work on the Hayes and Hastings Lines highlights something we really believe in: accessibility isn't just about compliance—it's about creating change through design and genuine commitment. From proposing clearer mobility markings to exploring "trial zoning" for neurodivergent passengers, Rutuja's insights show how purpose-driven organisations can turn values into real-world impact. Worth a read for anyone interested in inclusive design, transport accessibility, or purpose-led business practice. 👇