Time is running out to apply for funding from Southeastern’s Customer and Community Improvement Fund.
Grants of up to £50,000 are available to support projects that make a positive difference to communities across south-east London, Kent and East Sussex.
The fund is designed to support initiatives which will deliver social value within communities, reduce economic and social inequality, support social mobility and enhance rail’s positive role on society.
Ideas can be put forward by local organisations or bodies, such as community rail partnerships, station adopters, local authorities or parish councils, community groups, charities, or other stakeholders.
Applications close in fewer than two weeks – on 31st August.
Damian Testa, Southeastern’s Head of Stakeholder Relations, said:
“Railways sit at the heart of our communities, not only driving economic growth and jobs but helping people to break down barriers to reach their potential.
“At Southeastern, we want to be an industry leader in improving social mobility and this funding will unlock opportunities for projects to make a positive difference across the areas we serve.”
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy added:
“This is a brilliant example of how our railways offer so much more than simply getting people from A to B - they boost opportunities and transform lives.
“It’s been almost 200 years since the world’s first passenger journey set off in the UK, and communities, then and now, are at the heart of the network. I look forward to seeing the positive impact these grants will have on both Southeastern’s customers, and the people in the areas they serve.”
Southeastern is looking to support projects which fall within one or more of the following categories:
Local skills and employment – e.g. promoting the rail industry as a positive career choice, vocational skills training for young people.
Healthier, safer and more resilience local communities – e.g. increasing awareness of rail safety, promoting well-being and mental health, reducing anti-social behaviour.
Sustainable railway – e.g. promoting rail travel and walking and cycling links to/ from stations, improving information/ wayfinding to make using rail easier for customers, ways to encourage carbon reduction.
Inclusion and diversity – e.g. activities to promote groups that are underrepresented in the SE or wider rail industry workforce.
Railway 200 – e.g. rail heritage, culture and tourism to mark the 200th anniversary of the railway in 2025.
To find out more, and to apply, visit our website.
