Railway Volunteers Step Up to Protect Vulnerable Travellers During Covid
A dedicated team of Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) volunteers are going above and beyond to keep people safe amid the Covid-19 crisis. With many vulnerable passengers on edge, these volunteers have taken on a vital new role—monitoring CCTV footage across the rail network.
Eyes on the Network: Volunteers Boost CCTV Monitoring
Normally out and about on the trains and stations, GTR staff have adapted their roles to meet the new challenges. Restricted from usual duties, they now work from a satellite CCTV suite at East Croydon, scanning screens for signs of vulnerable individuals or any antisocial behaviour. Their goal? To spot dangers early and alert the appropriate authorities, including the British Transport Police.
- GTR runs Southern, Thameslink, Great Northern, and Gatwick Express services.
- CCTV is manned 24/7, with volunteers adding extra vigilance during the pandemic.
- In just six weeks, volunteers have helped identify 11 vulnerable people who needed assistance.
Volunteers Share Why They’re Committed to the Cause
Brighton passenger host Dan Moon, 40, has worked on the railway for 13 years. He says: “There are a lot of vulnerable people out there right now. We’re the eyes to spot them. You may go days with no incidents, then one day you spot someone who needs help—possibly saving their life.”
Colin Latimer, 55, a fraud control officer from Three Bridges, spends five days a week on CCTV duty. He credits the volunteering for helping his own mental health. “It’s saved my sanity. Being involved makes me feel productive and worthwhile. We may catch something others miss.”
Meanwhile, Luton-based passenger host Abby-Rose Boon, 30, reveals her fascination with CCTV work. She says: “I’ve always wanted to do CCTV monitoring. It’s interesting to see the other side of the job and help keep the network safe for key workers who need to travel. It’s really rewarding.”
GTR’s ‘Caring for the Vulnerable’ Initiative Launched Amid Pandemic
GTR’s dedicated scheme, launched in March, focuses on supporting employees, passengers, and local communities through these tough times. Head of Security and Emergency Resilience Tony Holland emphasises the importance of their work:
“At a time of great national challenge, it’s important not only to enable key workers to travel safely but also to reach out and support those who may need our help.”
With this initiative, GTR is proving it’s more than just trains—it’s about caring for the people who need it most.
