Four charities based in the Liverpool City Region are set to benefit from additional funding over the next two years.

Merseyrail staff will be involved in a series of events, collections across the network and special promotions to support Centre 56, Rescue Me Animal Sanctuary, Blackburne House and Parkinson’s Wirral. The various initiatives will be organised by the community involvement team at Merseyrail.

Every two years, staff at the train operating company are asked to pick four charities based in the Liverpool City Region. In the last two years, more than £100,000 has been raised for The Paper Cup Project, Tam O’Shanter Urban Farm, KIND and Sefton Women’s and Children’s Aid.

The four charities chosen for the next two years operate in a range of different areas.

Centre 56 is a domestic abuse charity in North Liverpool. It provides childcare, information and support for families and children who are suffering or are at risk of suffering domestic abuse or are in a crisis situation.

Blackburne House is based in the city centre of Liverpool and supports the development of local – and often vulnerable – women. Based in a former girls’ school, there is a core focus on education, allowing women to learn and grow in a safe environment.

Parkinson’s Wirral offers friendship and support to people with Parkinson’s disease, as well as their families and carers.

Rescue Me Animal Sanctuary rescues and re-homes animals in the Merseyside area.  All animals are neutered, micro-chipped and treated for fleas and worms.

Sally Ralston BEM, Community Involvement Manager at Merseyrail said: “We are delighted to be joining forces with these superb charities and helping them in the vital work they do throughout the Liverpool City Region.

“Thanks to the generosity of our customers and staff we have helped to support many charities over the last 20 years, and we’re delighted to be carrying on this good work with these four organisations for the next two years.”

Neil Grabham, Managing Director of Merseyrail, added: “I’m so proud of the incredible charity work that has been a hallmark of Merseyrail staff and customers over the years. It’s vitally important to us that Merseyrail contributes to supporting the Liverpool City Region and helping it remain as a wonderful place to live.

“We’ll be working closely with our new official charity partners over the next two years on some exciting and fun events, and I know that Merseyrail customers will give us their usual superb support.”