Two Thanet-based projects receive grants from Southeastern fund

Two Thanet-based community projects are among 14 awarded funding by Southeastern through its Customer and Community Improvement Fund (CCIF).

Now in its third year, the CCIF was established to support projects that deliver social value, reduce inequality, and ensure the railway plays a meaningful role in local communities.

This year’s grants, worth a total of £200,000, will fund a range of programmes, from community arts, helping young people into work, prison retraining, and turning disused spaces into vibrant community hubs.

In Thanet Milmead community centre received £6,500 for a scheme where young people in Margate will be supported to gain confidence and skills in using the railway for future education, employment and volunteering opportunities. The programme will teach safe travel, ticket purchasing, planning routes and budgeting.

Margate-based baby bank Mama2Mama received £25,000. The charity provides essential pre-loved items to vulnerable pregnant women, caregivers and children under five, who are living in poverty.

The funding will support the fit out of a new community café hub in Woolwich, enabling the charity to expand its dignity first baby essentials bank and wellbeing services.

Matthew Fraser, Community Relations Manager at Southeastern, said:  “We were bowled over by both the number and the quality of applications we received this year.

“Every project we’ve funded demonstrates what’s possible when the railway works hand in hand with its communities, and this latest round takes that partnership to a new level.

“We’re proud to support initiatives that open up real opportunities for people who need them most.”

The CCIF has now supported 38 projects in total, ranging from mentoring at-risk young people to helping people with additional needs travel independently.