Eboracum® was contacted late last year by Helen, a Child & Family Support Practitioner at City of York Council.
Helen informed us that a 15 year old boy she was currently working with called Kaiden, had become accidentally upset whilst he was enjoying some time watching trains at York Station, and wondered if there was anything we could do to turn this worry for Kaiden into a positive.
One of our station based staff was conducting a regular and detailed patrol of York Railway Station nearby, at which point Kaiden became a little worried about what was happening. Kaiden (who loves spending time watching trains, and travels on them to various landmarks which is a passion of his) was concerned a little by the presence of a security team member who was in full uniform.
Our Business Development Manager, Andy, spoke at length with Helen and also Kaiden's mother, Stacey, not only about what had occurred at the station, but also what Eboracum, CYC and LNER could do to turn this experience for Kaiden into a positive and educational one for him.
Andy suggested that everybody could meet at the railway station with Kaiden to explain and show the job role to him. A meeting was agreed and took place, where everybody also agreed it was most importantly a great experience for Kaiden who learned what goes on at the Railway Station. It was also an excellent opportunity for Eboracum and LNER staff to learn from this encounter and develop as employees and businesses.
The meeting was a great success, and Kaiden is now no longer worried when visiting York Railway Station'. Andy has been in regular contact up to this point with all parties concerned, and all agree that the meeting held at York Station was a great success.
Kaiden said " I met with Andy, his colleague, and a member of staff from LNER. I felt very nervous when I initially met with them all and a little embarrassed, but Andy soon made me feel relaxed and we all soon began chatting and I quickly relaxed. I now know who these people are and would be able to identify in the future what company they work for after seeing all the uniforms. If I had a concern or worry for others or myself, I now feel able to go to any of these people rather than feeling worried."
..... a great outcome for all concerned, which could also potentially lead to some work experience with LNER for Kaiden too!