Community groups across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and Cambridgeshire have received funding through Govia Thameslink Railway’s Your Station, Your Community scheme, which has distributed £300,000 across the operator’s network.

The Asian Sports Foundation has been awarded £10,000 to run free self-defence sessions for women and girls in and around Bedford. The classes are designed to improve confidence, wellbeing and personal safety, particularly for those who may face barriers to taking part in sport.

In Luton, Edible High Town, along with Hope Church Luton Trust have secured £9,999 for gardening projects on routes to and from Luton station, improving underused green spaces and growing produce for the local community.

The Cam Valley Community Rail Partnership has received £1,210 to extend a wildflower verge between Melbourn and Meldreth station. In Hertfordshire, addiction charity The Living Room has been awarded £10,000 to support recovery programmes in Stevenage and hold mental health information events at the railway station.

The grants follow the launch of Govia Thameslink Railway’s Sustainability Strategy in April, which includes a focus on supporting communities across its network.

“At the Asian Sports Foundation, we are committed to creating safer, stronger communities. Right now many women and girls tell us they don’t feel safe walking alone, a reality which impacts confidence and daily lives. Our programme will deliver culturally aware, self-defence training combined with confidence-building techniques. By teaching practical skills, fostering peer support and connecting participants, we will reduce fear, increase resilience, and enable lasting change in their lives and the community.

Shazia Ali, Asian Sports Foundation CEO.