There is still time to apply for the East Midlands Railway's funding with the allocation of over £130k made available to support deserving projects.
East Midlands Railway's Community Fund was created earlier in 2022 and aims to aid both communities and organisations which are located along its routes with a focus on inspiring schemes which make a difference to those most in need.
The fund marks the first of its type for the East Midlands and can be accessed by community rail partnerships, station adoption groups, charities, community interest companies, schools, youth organisations, sports clubs, not-for-profits as well as groups like Beavers or Guides.
Qualifying for the fund requires the group or organisation to operate within 15km of an East Midlands Railway station as well as meeting other targets as set out by the rail operator in order to achieve the funding.
The Community Fund has so far benefited a good number of remarkable projects such as working with the Heights of Abraham in order to build a marketing campaign which will attract visitors to Matlock Bath which also benefits the rail operator by encouraging local leisure-based rail travel.
Another group which has been supported by the fund is a group of Year four children at Chestnut Street School in Ruskington who are enjoying a six-week course of work which will see them learn more about the ‘World Around Them' using geography, history and art. The course has seen the children learn about the railway, enjoy a trip on a train, take a history walk around the village and create a mosaic which is featured at the station.
The Dementia Friendly Project at Alsager Station has also been supported by the Community Fund since achieving the ‘Working towards Dementia Friendly' status in 2020. With the help of the East Midlands Railway Community Fund, the members of Alsager's Memory Cafe got to enjoy a special day out by train. The scheme aimed to discover how dementia friendly the station was for small groups of people who live with dementia and has provided a greater understanding of the ease or difficulties of rail travel they face.
Kaye Robinson, Community Engagement Manager at East Midlands Railway, said: “Since we launched the Community Fund we have been able to support so many worthwhile projects right across the region.
“If your charity, group or club is in need of support or have some worthwhile projects that need a financial helping hand – please don't hesitate to get in touch.”
Community Fund – apply now!
To find out more about the fund or to apply, please visit: https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/community-fund
