Nottingham's tram network (NET) has donated £2,500 of its park and ride receipts to a local charity dedicated to empowering local young people.
Set up in 2014, The Pythian Club has its base within the Heathfield Community Centre in the city, and runs activities within the community and in educational settings. It runs sport, music, art and educational programmes that work towards supporting and mentoring young people, aiming to reduce youth violence and improve community cohesion.
In the run-up to Christmas, NET has continued its long-running relationship with the charity by donating £2,500 to the Pythian Club. The money will fund a scheme refurbishing bicycles for young people to use to get to work, college or essential services. It will also help fund football boots and England kits to encourage young people to play and coach football.
Tramlink, which operates NET, has recently put its finances on a more stable footing by renegotiating loans. It operates fifteen Bombardier Incentro AT6/5 and twenty-two Alstom Citadis 302 trams.
Trevor Stocker, Head of Operations at NET, explained: “For the past six years, we've supported the club's invaluable work with young people at risk of being affected by poverty, domestic abuse, drug use or mental health issues.
“This has played an important role in helping to tackle anti-social behaviour on and around the tram network.
“Meanwhile, the enforcement patrols have helped to free up parking spaces for our customers, who frequently tell us they want firm action taken against a small minority who make life more difficult for everyone else, particularly those with restricted mobility.
“The money raised from these activities covers the cost of the patrols, with any surplus donated to worthy causes, such as the Pythian Club.”
Pythian founder Ben Rosser commented: “Without the support of organisations such as NET, this work just wouldn't be possible, and we're really grateful for all they have done for us.
“This latest donation will help us continue providing positive pathways for young people, enabling them to engage with the wider community in a constructive way.
“It also builds on the work we have been doing as part of an acclaimed ‘You v Tram' safety campaign, which has seen us working with NET to highlight the importance of safety around the tram network.”
