Southeastern is to help fund 13 community projects as part of its first-ever Customer and Community Improvement Fund.
Grants of up to £50,000 were available to support initiatives which deliver social value within communities, reduce economic and social inequality and enhance rail’s positive role on society.
It’s part of Southeastern’s wider work to enhance social mobility across Kent, south-east London and East Sussex.
The projects range from a choir tackling isolation and promoting community cohesion – to schemes designed to give disabled people more confidence to use public transport by allowing them to “try a train” in a supported environment.
Ahead of the 200th anniversary of the railway in 2025, funding will also go towards creating 20 blue plaques to recognise railway heroes in the south-east – while promoting career opportunities to the next generation of rail workers.
Damian Testa, Southeastern’s Head of Public Affairs, said:
“Our railway sits at the heart of communities, not only getting people from A to B, but also driving economic growth and jobs, and helping people break down barriers to reach their potential.
“At Southeastern, we are an industry leader in improving social mobility and we are proud to be able to help these projects unlock opportunities to make a positive difference across the areas we serve.”
A full list of projects receiving funding:
Folke Art CT19 - Community Art Kent CIC
An arts and health project targeting adults aged over 55 in Folkestone to improve wellbeing, reduce loneliness, and increase community engagement through workshops, a magazine, and exhibitions.
Suicide Prevention In Communities - Samaritans
A suicide prevention project focused on making stations safer and offering mental health outreach activities in communities across the network, including station events and support for rail staff and passengers.
Connecting Gravesham with King Charles III England Coast Path - Explore Kent
Installation of interpretation boards at Northfleet and Gravesend stations, promoting walking and cycling routes to the coast path, and organising community events such as guided walks, nature trails, and bird watching.
Beams Inclusive Adventures for All - We Are Beams
Organising fun days for families with disabled children in the Dartford, Gravesend, Swanley and Sevenoaks areas, offering flexible and accessible train travel to destinations such as the seaside, cinemas, and workshops.
Come and Sing with Citizens of the World Choir CIC
Hosting four community singing events, targeting engagement with local communities around Westcombe Park station in Greenwich. The events aim to combat isolation and improve mental health, with added support for refugees and disadvantaged groups.
Activate Tunbridge Wells - West Kent Mind
A mental health intervention project offering immediate support to young people in distress. The program provides one-on-one mental health sessions, reducing suicide risk and improving coping skills.
The Young Green Briton Challenge - GenEarth
Expanding a program to new schools in Dover, Folkestone, Canterbury, Brixton and Lewisham, teaching green skills, and fostering entrepreneurial and environmental initiatives such as green spaces, rail travel, and sustainable transport.
Aspens Travel-Ability Pilot Programme - Aspens Charities
A pilot project offering adults with learning disabilities and/or autism in Tunbridge Wells, Battle and Hastings the chance to "try a train" in a supportive environment. The aim is to increase their confidence in using public transportation independently.
Greenwich Station Restoration Project - The Greenwich Society
This project aims to improve Greenwich Station by removing excess signage, adding comfortable seating, incorporating a local history information board, and displaying artwork from local schools and colleges.
Blue Plaques for Railway Heroes – South East Community Rail Partnership
Research and produce 20 plaques commemorating railway heroes in the Hastings area, linking historical railway jobs to modern-day railway career opportunities.
Making Tracks - Active Hearts & Minds Ltd
A project for disabled and socially excluded people, involving train journeys and creative activities (e.g. art, poetry, photography) to enhance social inclusion and mental wellbeing across west Kent and south-east London.
Green Spaces - Grow19
Learners from Grow19, a college in East Malling for young people with special educational needs and disabilities, will create raised flower beds and plant seasonal bulbs to enhance green spaces at a station, reducing car damage and improving the station environment.
Community Engagement - EKC Sheppey Secondary
A community art exhibition, “I ‘Heart’ Sheppey”, showcasing student artwork. The project also includes station displays promoting local heritage and rail safety through student presentations.
