London North Eastern Railway (LNER) is encouraging communities across its route to apply for a share of £500,000 from its Customer and Community Investment Fund (CCIF) which has opened for applications.

The fund helps customers and communities along the LNER route to undertake projects and initiatives that will help address a local issue, create opportunities to develop new skills, promote positive mental health and delivers educational or environmental benefits.

With the Covid-19 pandemic impacting many parts of society, the boost provided by CCIF is set to be more important than ever.

David Horne, LNER Managing Director, said: “LNER has supported so many fantastic charities and groups in recent years through this Fund, and is delighted to be welcoming applications in this new round. Applicants can apply for up £100,000 of funding, rather than the previous £50,000 limit.

“This latest round of applications will be split into two terms – the first for six months running from October 2021 for shorter term projects and for those that can get off the ground quickly, and a second for larger projects running for 12 months from April 2022.

“As part of LNER’s commitment to being a responsible business we continue to support communities along our route, especially as many charities and local organisations have had a challenging 12 months. I’d encourage customers and organisations from across our route to get in touch and apply.”

Applications for both the six and 12-month terms, opened on 22 February and closes on 2 April. LNER is keen to hear from charities, community groups and individuals who are looking to address a social issue that affects customers and communities and has a positive impact on society.

Previous projects in Scotland to benefit from funding include Carr Gomm’s Men in Sheds, various branches of the Samaritans; the Black and Blue charity supporting domestic abuse victims; the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust and East Haven Railway Project.

One project to benefit during the past 12 months has been the Health and Wellness Hub, which provides support to people living in North Lanarkshire. Kelly Stewart of the Health and Wellness Hub commented: “Through this funding from LNER we have been able to continue to run throughout the pandemic a shopmobility service, giving users access to mobility equipment such as wheelchairs and scooters. Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic the funding also allowed us to run a volunteer-led community café and weekly volunteer-led community hubs.

“Although many of our services have been affected by Covid, we continue to support directly 150 people per week via befriending, our shopmobility service and online support, and this funding has been crucial to allow us to continue to help those who need it.”

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