LONDON North Eastern Railway’s (LNER) annual Customer and Community Investment Fund (CCIF) is now open for applications from communities, customers and charities across the route.
The Fund supports projects where there is an identified social need and that focus on mental health, education and employability skills amongst marginalised groups within 15 miles of the LNER route.
It also supports projects that promote diversity and inclusion, as well as environmental sustainability. To date the fund has supported many different charities in Scotland – supporting projects that tackle mental health issues, helping individuals suffering from loneliness and social isolation, as well projects that enhance people’s opportunities to get into work.
David Horne, LNER Managing Director, said: “LNER is proud to serve our communities and support fantastic projects across the full length of our route.
“It is incredibly rewarding to see these projects succeed and lives improved because of our Customer and Community Investment Fund and knowing that LNER played a small part in their success.
“Together we can help change lives and make our communities more inclusive, prosperous and connected.
“Those eligible to apply should visit our website to find out more.”
As part of the 2021/2022 round, Edinburgh’s Carr Gomm received nearly £30,000, helping to fund its Men in Sheds project in Craigmillar, Edinburgh one of Scotland’s most deprived communities.
This project creates a space for men to tackle feelings of isolation, improve confidence, encourage positive lifestyle changes and forge friendships.
Helena Richards, Edinburgh Community Projects Manager at Carr Gomm, commented: “The help we’ve received from LNER’s fund has been invaluable, enabling us to update equipment such as laptops.
“It has also allowed us to buy new equipment for the men to enjoy, and this has been greatly appreciated by all.
“From the point of application to delivery we’ve had such a positive experience and the communications and support from LNER along the way has been excellent.”
A user of Men in Sheds, John attends the group three times a week. He said: “After losing my close friends and many of family through them passing, I felt isolated and would struggle to meet people or have a routine to get me out of the house.
“Attending Men in Sheds has been fantastic – I’ve met new friends and developed woodwork skills I never thought would be possible in my sixties.”
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