Hello everyone. We hope this bulletin finds you well. Quite a few big things have happened since the last edition – we have a new government and England have made it through to the semi-finals of the Euros!
New government
As you know, last Thursday the Labour Party won a landslide victory and now govern with a 172 majority. We want to assure our members that we will continue to work closely with the Department for Transport, championing and advocating for you, ensuring the voice of community rail is heard. We have written in the first instance to both Louise Haigh, Secretary of State for Transport, and Lord Peter Hendy, Minister of State for Rail, congratulating them on their appointments. We hope to secure meetings in due course, as well as build broader links across the new administration and with regional mayors. The King’s speech on 17 July is likely to include legislation to nationalise the railways so we will be watching that, as well as plans for GBR, with a keen eye. Also, see the top story below on the new government’s top five transport priorities.
With the arrival of so many new MPs, it might be opportune to write to your local MP to introduce your organisation and community rail: see our letter template.
Corporate fundraising webinar
Members, don’t forget to book your place on our next webinar for advice and insights into how community groups and non-profits can secure vital support from business and corporate partners. This session, on Wednesday 17 July, 10am-12pm, will offer a step-by-step approach to identifying companies whose values align with yours, and how to build strong, well-targeted relationships that attract financial and in-kind contributions. Book here.
Safeguarding on transport course
The Railway Children Charity has produced a ‘safeguarding on transport’ course to give those working within rail an understanding of the issues affecting our transport network, as well as the tools and confidence to identify vulnerability and take appropriate action. Our members can access the short course, which takes approx. 45 minutes to complete, for free. To request access, submit your details.
Community Rail Development Fund and Small Grants Fund
A reminder that the DfT’s Community Rail Development Fund (CRDF) and Small Grants Fund (SGF) are both now open for applications. Further details and application forms can be found here.
If you have any news stories, please email our communications team on news@communityrail.org.uk. See here for guidance on submitting stories.
Your next bulletin is on 24 July. Keep up-to-date in between on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.
Best wishes,
Jeremy and Jools
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