Social isolation among issues Northern hoping to fight with £50,000 community fund

The train operator has re-opened its Customer and Community Improvement Fund (CCIF) and is offering grants of £1,000, £5,000 and £10,000 for projects delivered between 1 October 2023 and 31 March 2024.

Applications are encouraged for schemes that help combat social isolation, mental health and wellbeing, financial inclusion, digital inclusion, poverty and all aspects of social mobility, including education, mentoring, skills, training and employment.

For more information and details of how to apply, visit: northernrailway.co.uk/about-us/community/ccif

Carolyn Watson, director of stakeholder and community engagement at Northern, said: “The CCIF has previously supported some incredible projects, bringing long lasting benefits to people across our network.

“The rise in the cost of living is affecting many of the communities we serve – with issues such as social isolation, mental health and social mobility on the rise.

“Northern is committed to making a positive impact on the North in all we do and for all we serve – and we’re delighted to make this fund available again.”

Previous recipients of CCIF funding include: Woodworking Warriors (supporting veterans with mental and physical conditions), Young Routes (part of Warrington Youth Zone), Leeds Dads (a parenting support group for young children and fathers), Footsteps (supporting vulnerable women leaving prison), Cycling Without Age (a scheme to improve the wellbeing of elderly people) and InterActive Family Days (a project that organised outings for disabled children). For more information on these projects, click here.

Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,500 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.