Families in Essex have been treated to a free day out thanks to The Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership and train operator Greater Anglia who have teamed up with the Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service.

On Wednesday, 15th February, a special train carrying 50 adults and children travelled from Walton-on-the-Naze to Colchester Town. On board a magician provided entertainment that was funded by the Path to Prosperity Project, goodie bags were handed out, and after arrival in Colchester, the group were treated to refreshments and crafts at Community 360’s One Colchester Community Hub.

By supporting local projects that have been developed in partnership with community groups, businesses and Greater Anglia, the Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership (ESSCRP) is encouraging sustainable active travel for all and is working to encourage and promote the use of six railway branch lines in Essex.

At last year’s Community Rail Awards, the Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership (CRP) received the award for ‘Outstanding contribution to Community Rail’ for the many activities that they run across six Essex rail branch lines and which benefit communities in the county.

Jayne Sumner, Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership’s Rail Engagement Manager, said, “We were really happy to work with the Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service to facilitate a day out for families in Essex to help improve social inclusion in our community and promote the ease and value of rail travel for a fun family day out.”

Vicky Beales, Community Engagement Worker for the Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service, said, “It was great to work in partnership with the Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership to be able to provide a fun family day out. This day out allowed families to travel to a different area of the county and explore the free museums and facilities on offer.”

Alan Neville, Greater Anglia’s Customer and Community Engagement Manager, said, “We were pleased to support this event which has delivered benefits to disadvantaged families on our network.

“We’re very grateful to the Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership for the great work they are doing to promote social inclusion and sustainable travel, a key way that the railway in East Anglia can deliver social value back to the communities we serve.”