Community rail partnerships, station adopters, local authorities, parish councils, community groups, charities, and other stakeholders should take note and apply promptly if they wish to apply for Southeastern‘s Customer and Community Improvement Fund, which is scheduled to close on Saturday 31 August 2024.

Grants of varying amounts up to £50,000 are being offered to fund projects that positively impact communities throughout south-east London, Kent, and East Sussex.

The fund is part of Southeastern’s wider commitment to advancing social mobility.

It also aims to back initiatives that provide social value in communities, diminish unfair economic and social circumstances and amplify the beneficial impact of rail travel on society.

Many train Operating Companies (TOCs) offer grants for community projects across the UK throughout the year.

So far this year, South Western Railway has supported local projects across southern England while applications for TransPennine Express grants opened at the start of August.

“Railways sit at the heart of our communities, not only driving economic growth and jobs but helping people to break down barriers to reach their potential. 

“At Southeastern, we want to be an industry leader in improving social mobility and this funding will unlock opportunities for projects to make a positive difference across the areas we serve.” 

Damian Testa, Southeastern’s Head of Stakeholder Relations

“This is a brilliant example of how our railways offer so much more than simply getting people from A to B – they boost opportunities and transform lives.  

“It’s been almost 200 years since the world’s first passenger journey set off in the UK, and communities, then and now, are at the heart of the network. I look forward to seeing the positive impact these grants will have on both Southeastern’s customers, and the people in the areas they serve.” 

Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy

Southeastern is seeking to fund projects that align with one or more of the following categories:

Local skills and employment initiatives, such as promoting the rail industry as a viable career path and providing vocational training for the younger generation.

Healthier, safer and more resilience local communities – projects that enhance awareness of rail safety, fostering well-being and mental health, and curbing anti-social behaviour.

Sustainable railway – schemes or projects that enhance rail travel and the connectivity of walking and cycling paths to and from stations, upgrading information and signage to simplify rail usage for customers and identifying strategies to promote carbon reduction.

Inclusion and diversity – initiatives to support groups underrepresented in the Southeastern or broader rail industry workforce.

Railway 200 – For instance, rail heritage, culture, and tourism events that are being organised to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the railway in 2025.