The Customers and Communities Improvement Fund (CCIF) has welcomed an announcement from South Western Railway stating that they will invest £400,000 in 15 separate community projects.

This amount, which will be match funded by a further £400,000, takes the total investment in community projects through CCIF from South Western Railway to over £7.5 million since the train operating company took over from the former South West Trains in 2018.

The CCIF scheme for 2024-2025 supports a number of projects across the South West, that will help and benefit those in need. The projects vary in scale and this reflected in the funding they each receive. Some of the £400,000 will be invested in the following projects:

• Those living at Pinhoe in Devon will receive funding for a new exercise, leisure and community centre, which will promote healthier living. While under-represented groups in Hounslow will receive funding so they can train in bicycle mechanics so they can cater to London’s thriving cyclists and their two wheels.
• The Isle of Wight based Vectis Radio will receive £3,300 to help train youngsters in radio communication. This will help grow their confidence and communication skills in an area of the UK where radio communication is paramount. The only way to access the island is by sea or by air, and both boats and planes use radio communication to ensure their safety.
• £19,200 will be granted to Oasis Hub Mayfield, which will be put towards a new van. This will help the Youth Outreach group to engage quickly and more frequently with young people to reduce the risk of antisocial behaviour and suicide in the east of Southampton.

• The largest investment will be £50,000 for Hilsea Station to Linear Park Link. the money will be given to Portsmouth City Council so that they can oversee the spending. Once the project is complete, it will improve connectivity between the railway station and the park. It will make the route between the two safer as CCTV, LED lighting and signage will also be installed as part of the funding.

All of these projects have received funding, through schemes which have been submitted by charities, community groups and local authorities. Depending on the time scales of each individual project, it is hoped most will be completed by mid spring next year.

“We’re proud to support this year’s 15 projects through our CCIF fund, which from 2018 has awarded more than £7.5 million in funding to over 100 projects that share our vision of seeing local communities thrive.

“From community hubs and cycle clubs, initiatives that promote physical well-being, to funding full-time outreach workers, CCIF provides investment for important local projects that make a real difference to people in towns and villages across our network.

“Every year we’re inspired by the passionate people and hard work that go into each of these projects and we really look forward to seeing the results that the completed projects will have in their communities”.

Peter Williams, South Western Railway’s Customer and Commercial Director