Southeastern has teamed up with local charity Refocus to support families in Dartford and Gravesend through a new programme of on-the-job training, mentoring and holiday clubs to help young people build brighter futures.
The project is backed by a £49,930 grant from Southeastern’s Customer and Community Improvement Fund (CCIF), which supports initiatives that strengthen communities across Kent, south east London and parts of East Sussex.
Refocus, a charity with over 20 years of experience working with disadvantaged families, will deliver:
- Workshops and training sessions for 2,000 young people in schools
- On-the-job training for 25 young people
- Holiday and half term clubs for 90 children from marginalised groups
- Ongoing mentorship and support for 25 young people
The programme is designed to equip young people with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to succeed, while also helping to steer them away from antisocial behaviour, crime, and drug abuse.
Southeastern’s Head of Public Affairs Damian Testa said:
“Southeastern was the first passenger train operator in the country to publish a Social Mobility Action Plan – which aims to remove the barriers people from disadvantaged communities can face and help them to access training, education and employment opportunities.
“We are proud of our ongoing work to improve social mobility across the south east of England – and help our local communities, towns and cities to grow and prosper.
“That is why we are proud to be working with Refocus to build stronger, safer communities in which young people and their families can thrive.”
Refocus founder Lennox Rogers added:
“All young people want to be independent and improve their lives, and with the right role models and support, we can help those vulnerable to becoming involved in crime or gangs towards a better path.
“Working with Southeastern has allowed us to scale up this work and address many aspects of inequality in our communities.”
The project one of 11 initiatives funded this year through Southeastern’s Customer and Community Investment Fund, which supports initiatives that deliver social value, promote equality, and strengthen community wellbeing.
Other projects funded this year include support for disabled travellers, domestic abuse survivors, and mentoring for young people at risk.