Southeastern is providing a £380,000 boost to community projects as part of its Customer & Community Improvement Fund (CCIF), reinforcing its commitment to supporting the people and places it serves.
Grants of up to £50,000 have been awarded to 11 charities, organisations, and community groups across Kent, Sussex and south-east London.
The funding will support a diverse range of initiatives, from specialist training to help disabled adults travel independently to trauma-informed support for domestic abuse survivors and mentoring programmes for young people at risk.
Now in its second year, the CCIF was established to help projects that deliver social value, reduce inequality, and ensure the railway plays a meaningful role in local communities.
This latest round of grant funding alongside last year’s CCIF grants and our annual funding for Community Rail Partnerships means Southeastern has now allocated almost £1 million to local community schemes and Partnerships across the network in the last two years.
Damian Testa, Head of Public Affairs at Southeastern, said:
"The railway is more than just a means of travel, it connects our communities and brings people together.
“That is why we are proud to work with these incredible projects which will help people facing isolation, disadvantage, and barriers to opportunity, whether through mentoring programs, support for survivors of domestic abuse, or helping young people build confidence and skills for the future.
"We are proud to work with such dedicated organisations to make a tangible, lasting difference in the areas we serve, ensuring that rail remains a positive force in people’s lives."
The new funding follows the launch of Southeastern’s Social Mobility Action Plan, which highlights the role the rail industry can play in boosting inclusion and opportunities for all. This made several recommendations, including:
- Industry leadership and advocacy on mental health, leveraging its position as an anchor institution in the communities it serves
- Enhance internal progression opportunities, with a specific focus on promoting gender diversity and embracing neurodiversity
- Amplify community impact by building an early talent pipeline through strategic outreach initiatives with schools, colleges, and further education institutions in areas of deprivation
- Regional leader on health and wellbeing in collaboration with other local partners.
Full list of organisations being supported:
- Safe Routes: Partnering for Prevention - Missing People
This project addresses missing persons, particularly those at risk of harm. It includes staff training, awareness campaigns, and free travel solutions to help missing individuals return home safely. The initiative focuses on preventing disappearances and providing crisis support at train stations.
- Safe Families South East - Safe Families UK
Aims to reduce loneliness and social isolation in East Sussex and Kent by connecting families with local community groups and volunteers. The project also seeks to reduce the need for mental health support at train stations and promote community resilience.
- Making Connections - Involve Kent
Supports autistic children and young people (CYP) aged 9-18 through inclusive, creative activities. It offers travel training workshops to help CYP navigate public transport, fostering independence and social inclusion.
- Disabled Access Trips Training and Stories - Touchbase Care
This project offers travel independence training for disabled adults through community days out. It also includes a documentary film-making project highlighting the experiences of disabled people using the railway system.
- Prospects - Refocus Project Ltd
Targets low-income and marginalized families, providing mentoring, vocational skills training, and support services for mental health. It aims to engage young people in structured activities and job training during school holidays.
- Youth Arts Wellbeing and Community Joy - Gravesham Network Development CIC
Focuses on mental health and well-being through arts and singing workshops for young people with additional needs. The project will culminate in performances and art displays at train stations, bringing communities together.
- Early Childhood Development – Small Steps Big Imprints! - Children & Families
A holistic approach to improving the health and well-being of children in deprived areas. The project addresses early intervention, aiming to reduce long-term social and economic inequalities.
- Specialist Counselling for Survivors of Domestic Abuse - Rising Sun Domestic Violence and Abuse Service
Provides specialized trauma-informed counselling for women who have experienced domestic abuse, helping them recover emotionally and mentally. The service includes extended sessions beyond the usual 12 to support deeper healing.
- Unity Rail Safe Program (U.R.S) - Youth Unity CIC
A mentoring program for young people at risk of criminal activity or anti-social behaviour. The project focuses on supporting and guiding at-risk youth through targeted mentoring and rail network partnerships to foster positive life changes.
- Future Pathways - Sports Connect Community CIC
A three-tiered community engagement initiative using sport to reduce anti-social behaviour, promote well-being, and offer young people opportunities for skills development and employment. The project also aims to build positive community relationships.
- Bemix Café - Bemix
This project will set up a café to provide training and employment opportunities for people with learning difficulties and/or autism. The café will serve as a social enterprise, creating inclusive employment while offering takeaway food and drinks at a Southeastern station.
