LNER Providing ‘Lifeline’ To Charities and Community Initiatives

London North Eastern Railway (LNER) is proud to support communities and organisations along the East Coast, as it announces the latest beneficiaries of its annual £500,000 Customer and Community Investment Fund (CCIF).

The fund aims to help customers and communities along the LNER route to undertake projects and initiatives that address local issues and deliver educational or environmental benefits.

More than 12,600 individuals directly benefitted from the last round of funding and with the Covid-19 pandemic impacting many parts of society, the boost provided by CCIF this year is set to be more important than ever. Mental health has been a particular focus and this is echoed in the projects receiving support with a significant proportion coming from charities and organisations looking to support people with their mental health and wellbeing.

One organisation to benefit from the fund is Samaritans, which offers listening and support to people and communities in times of need. The £65,000 of funding from LNER will support 13 branches across the UK including Aberdeen, Lincoln, York, Grantham and London. A range of initiatives will include spreading awareness of its services amongst the agricultural community and providing support for the recruitment of additional Listening volunteers.

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 support from LNER is Seven Stories, The National Centre for Children’s Books in Newcastle, which will be running a learning and wellbeing programme using books and stories to help vulnerable young children build their happiness and resilience, understand themselves and others, and make sense of the world around them.  

Eyup, Duck!, a befriending programme in Doncaster, is also among the 34 projects receiving support this year, as it looks to help those over 65 combat loneliness.

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.”

For more details on the themes that are of key importance to LNER and the current projects supported, please visit https://www.lner.co.uk/about-us/customer-and-community-investment-fund/