Rail Forum is excited to launch the 2025 Rail Safety Week children’s competitions, designed to provide a simple and engaging way for parents, guardians and teachers to begin important conversations with young people about staying safe on and around the railway.
This year’s competitions include:
- Colouring competitions for children aged 4–6 and 7–9
- A ‘Design Your Railway Station’ competition for children aged 10–12
The activity sheets for the competitions have once again been specially designed by Bessie Matthews, author and illustrator of Arlo’s Adventures: There and Back – A Pick-a-Path Railway Safety Book.
Bessie Matthews said: “I love working on the railway, and nothing matters more than safety. Being asked to create activity pages for Rail Safety Week 2025 has been a real privilege.
“It’s not just about colouring or drawing—it’s about starting important conversations with young people and helping them see how they can make a difference. Year after year, it’s a reminder of why we do what we do.”
We are also pleased to acknowledge and thank RSSB for sponsoring this year’s competitions and helping to make them possible.
Chris Knowles, Director of System Safety and Health at RSSB, said: “RSSB is thrilled to sponsor the children’s colouring and drawing competition during Rail Safety Week. This fun activity not only sparks creativity but also highlights the importance of staying safe at our stations and on the network. By getting children involved, we’re helping to build a culture of safety and awareness from a young age, making the railway safer for everyone.”
Elaine Clark, CEO at Rail Forum and Industry Lead for Rail Safety Week, added: “Our children’s competitions are an engaging and impactful part of Rail Safety Week. They help make safety messages accessible and memorable, while encouraging creativity and curiosity. We’re proud to once again collaborate with Bessie Matthews and grateful to RSSB for their support in delivering this important initiative.”
To download the competition artwork, view submission and prize details, and read the full terms and conditions, please visit the Rail Safety Week website.
The deadline for entries is Friday 22nd August, providing plenty of time to take part!