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16 Jul 2024

Southeastern launches new fund to support community projects

Southeastern launches new fund to support community projects: Southeastern highspeed trains at Rochester-2

  • Customer and Communities Improvement Fund to help deliver local initiatives that make a difference
  • Charities, organisations and community groups are encouraged to submit ideas
  • Supports Southeastern’s commitment to becoming a more sustainable railway

For the first time, Southeastern is inviting applications for grants to help support projects that make a positive difference to communities across south-east London, Kent and East Sussex.  

As well as carrying up to half a million customers every day and linking people with loved ones, employment, training and healthcare, Southeastern is working towards being a purpose-driven, public sector organisation.

Having launched the first Social Mobility Action Plan for a UK train operator working to break down barriers and improve mental health in communities, Southeastern is now offering funding opportunities for local groups. 

The Customer and Community Improvement Fund supports projects that help with local rail improvement, deliver social value within communities, help reduce economic and social inequality, and support social mobility. 

Charities, stakeholders, organisations, and community groups are encouraged to apply for a grant of between £1,000 and £50,000. 

Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said: 

“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.” 

Kevin Warn, responsible for Southeastern's stations in Kent, said: 

"Southeastern plays a huge role in supporting the local economy by connecting people to friends, family, education, employment and healthcare and this is a wonderful opportunity for us to do even more and give something back to the communities we're proud to serve. 

"Earlier this year we were the first train operator to publish a Social Mobility Action Plan and this funding will unlock new opportunities for local organisations, charities and community groups to do even more. The funding could help to provide local training and employment, build healthier and safer communities, become more sustainable and promote inclusion and diversity." 

A successful bid should clearly demonstrate how the project will achieve one or more of the following goals: 

  • Promote local skills and employment 
  • Build healthier, safer, and more resilient local communities 
  • Ensure a sustainable railway 
  • Promote inclusion and diversity 
  • Support Railway 200 – a yearlong programme of events celebrating 200 years of railway history throughout 2025 

For more information and details on how to apply, visit the Southeastern website

Contact information

Southeastern Press Office

0330 095 9091

press.office@southeasternrailway.co.uk

Notes to editors

The total funding available is £125,000 for the current year and must be completed by March 31, 2025 (no multi-year funding). 

Southeastern is also inviting bids for proposed projects to be considered for funding in 2025/26 as well but they must be completed by 31 March 2026. This is to ensure we have projects ready to start in April 2025.

Match funding isn’t a requirement but will be looked at favourably for schemes with a higher overall value.  

Applications open 15 July 2024 and will close at 23.59 BST on 31 August 2024. Any applications submitted before or after this period will not be accepted. 

Interviews are available.

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