London North Eastern Railway has been supporting organisations and communities along the East Coast Main Line by announcing the receivers of its annual £500,000 Customer and Community Investment Fund.

The fund aims to help communities along the LNER route to complete projects that address local issues.

More than 12,600 individuals received help from the last round of funding and this years funding is more important than ever before due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Mental Health has been a focus this year, and this is shown in the projects receiving support, with a significant amount going to charities that support people with mental health problems.

One organisation that benefits is Samaritans, who offer support to people and communities in times of need. £65,000 has been awarded to them and will support 13 branches in the UK, including Aberdeen, Tyneside, York, Grantham and London.

Sonya Trivedy, Executive Director of Income at Samaritans, said: “This funding couldn’t have come at a better time. With such an uncertain economic future and our branches unable to carry out their usual community fundraising activities due to social distance restrictions, this funding will be a lifeline to help keep these branches running and ensure we can respond to those who are struggling to cope at this difficult and challenging time.”

Another organisation receiving funding from LNER is Seven Stories which uses books and stories to help vulnerable young children.

Rachael Wilson, Community Investment Manager at LNER, said: “2020 has seen incredible community spirit across the UK so as part of our commitment to being a responsible business, we’re dedicated to playing our part by supporting communities along our route, especially as many charities and local organisations are experiencing such a challenging time.

LNER is incredibly proud to be supporting Samaritans and all of the other organisations and charities who we’re working with as part of the Customer and Community Investment Fund. Each project delivers a vital service, so with our help, we hope to enable them to have an even bigger impact in their local communities.”

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