New Project Launch: On the Tracks, Youth Intervention
The Brighton Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP) is proud to announce the launch of “On the tracks": early intervention youth outreach along the main lines heading into Brighton. A major new partnership initiative aimed at preventing youth harm, exploitation and anti-social behaviour across the rail network into Brighton & Hove.
Launching on Friday 22 May 2026, the project has been developed in direct response to concerns raised by local communities, businesses, frontline professionals and young people themselves following significant safeguarding challenges experienced during previous summer periods across the city.
The programme will be delivered by the Brighton Crime Reduction Partnership and Trust for Developing Communities (TDC) in collaboration with key partners including Sussex Police, British Transport Police, and Govia Thameslink Railway, alongside Rail Safety Officers and specialist safeguarding teams.
The partnership has successfully secured funding to deliver a targeted early intervention and detached youth outreach programme focused on supporting vulnerable young people travelling into Brighton & Hove via the rail network.
During summer 2025, agencies across the city saw a concerning increase in young people, many travelling from outside the area, arriving into Brighton without support or safeguarding structures in place. A number of these young people were identified as being vulnerable to exploitation, criminal networks, anti-social behaviour, violence and serious harm.
“On the tracks” has been designed to respond proactively to these concerns through visible youth engagement, safeguarding intervention and stronger partnership coordination across rail routes into the city.
The project will see experienced detached youth workers travelling on trains from identified hotspot areas into Brighton, engaging directly with young people during journeys to provide support, guidance and early intervention before risks escalate.
Alongside this, there will be a high-visibility partnership presence at and around Brighton Station, through our partners at BTP and Sussex Police, helping to create a safer and more welcoming environment for young people, residents, visitors and businesses alike. There will be clear tone setting and guidance around expected behaviour and escalation.
A dedicated youth outreach bus operated by TDC will also provide a safe and supportive space near the station for mentoring, welfare support, safeguarding conversations and onward referrals for young people identified as vulnerable or at risk.
The project also builds upon BCRP’s established Early Intervention Schools Project, which already works closely with all secondary schools across Brighton & Hove through existing information-sharing partnerships designed to identify vulnerability and provide support earlier.
This initiative reflects BCRP’s continued commitment to listening to community concerns and taking meaningful action to improve safety and wellbeing across the city.
“This funding award is something we are incredibly proud of. It recognises the strength of partnership working across Brighton & Hove and our shared commitment to protecting young people. What it also represents for us is the need for a early approach to youth concerns and brings stakeholders together. We have listened carefully to concerns raised by partners, businesses, transport staff, professionals and our members following the challenges experienced during previous summers. This project is about early intervention, safeguarding and creating visible support where young people need it most”
The days of action will take place over an 11 month period with 32 sessions planned.
‘On the tracks’ is not simply about enforcement: The Brighton Crime Reduction Partnership has consistently highlighted that lasting change can only be achieved through a balanced approach of both support and enforcement working side by side.
“On the tracks” has been designed around exactly that principle combining visible outreach, positive engagement, trusted relationship-building and early intervention with clear expectations around behaviour and safety.
The project aims to create opportunities for young people to engage positively with youth workers, safeguarding professionals and partner agencies throughout their journey into the city.
However, where individuals choose to reject those opportunities and go on to become involved in violence, anti-social behaviour or actions that place themselves or others at risk, partners will take firm and robust action to protect the wider community and ensure Brighton & Hove remains a safe environment for everyone.
The partnership would like to thank all organisations, frontline teams and community members who have contributed insight, intelligence and support to help shape the project.
Together, we truly hope this initiative will deliver lasting positive change for young people travelling into Brighton & Hove and help create a safer, more supportive and more connected city for everyone.
Would you like to get involved? We'd love to hear from you!