From tourism and heritage to youth engagement and sustainable travel, Gloucestershire CRP has been making its mark in many areas since it launched in 2021. The CRP’s burgeoning evidence base, showcased through an impressive Impact Report, shows how they’re empowering local communities, and connecting more people to their railways and the opportunities they offer.

The CRP has led several projects and initiatives over the years, including:

• Running a service helping people to gain continued confidence and travel skills using rail and buses to access work and leisure, successfully engaging over 300 participants and 60 local organisations.
• Forging a strong, evidenced track record in empowering young people, especially from more marginalised communities, breaking down barriers, and opening up social connections and life opportunities. The CRP was one of the partners in our Tackling Loneliness with Transport project, engaging nearly 100 young people and delivering proven, profound benefits.
• Creating an integrated travel map promoting sustainable and inclusive leisure journeys across modes and work closely with the tourism sector.
• Celebrating diverse cultures and histories – several of their stations showcase work by local black and brown artists, while their ‘Black History Map’ shows how the railway can be used to explore black art and history across the county.

Coöperatie Stationspark Deurne is a station friends’ group that is putting community rail firmly on the map of the Netherlands.

Through the drive and determination of a few key individuals, this group has positioned its core station as a vibrant hub at the heart of its community. It’s delivered projects including a bicycle service point, a community garden and artwork, a book exchange and a Fairtrade catering facility.

Going well beyond their station, Coöperatie Stationspark Deurne has built momentum on a wider scale, gathering best practice from the UK and empowering community groups at other stations to carry out impactful initiatives. They’re now building the support to set up their own national network of community rail activity across their country.