Train operator Northern has made £50,000 available to community groups across the North of England to help them overcome a range of issues because of the increase in the cost of living.

Grants of £1,000, £5,000, and £10,000 are available through Northern’s Customer and Community Improvement Fund (CCIF) for projects that will be completed between 1st October 2023 and 31st March 2024.

Groups have until midnight on Friday, 11th August to apply for schemes that will help to combat:

• social isolation,
• mental health and wellbeing,
• financial inclusion,
• digital inclusion,
• poverty,
• as well as all aspects of social mobility, including education, mentoring, skills, training and employment.

More information about the fund and details of how to apply and an application are online at
Customer and Community Improvement Fund 2023 | Northern (northernrailway.co.uk)

The fund has previously benefitted: Woodworking Warriors, which supports veterans with mental and physical conditions; Young Routes, which is part of Warrington Youth Zone; Leeds Dads, a parenting support group for young children and fathers, Footsteps, which supports vulnerable women leaving prison; Cycling Without Age, a scheme to improve the wellbeing of elderly people; and InterActive Family Days, a project that organises outings for disabled children.

Carolyn Watson, director of stakeholder and community engagement at Northern, said: “The CCIF has previously supported some incredible projects, bringing long lasting benefits to people across our network.

“The rise in the cost of living is affecting many of the communities we serve – with issues such as social isolation, mental health and social mobility on the rise.

“Northern is committed to making a positive impact on the North in all we do and for all we serve – and we’re delighted to make this fund available again.”