Derbyshire community group benefits from part of a £100k fund to help improve social mobility

A Derbyshire community group has benefitted from a £100,000 funding pot made available by regional rail operator Northern, which runs services through Ilkeston Railway Station.

The Customer & Community Improvement Fund opened for applications in May with schemes that focussed on early careers, education outreach and inclusive employment encouraged to apply.

A grant of £10,000 has been allocated to The Work For All scheme, which supports older people that have been out of work to regain confidence, presentation and interview skills across Derbyshire.

Tricia Williams, managing director of Northern, said: “Helping to improve social mobility across our network is something we see as really important. Transport connectivity is itself a vital element of the wider support structure – but the organisations we’ve awarded grants to as part of this year’s Customer & Community Improvement Fund are specialists with direct, hands-on experience.

“With our support, these groups can make a huge difference to people’s lives and we look forward to hearing the many success stories that will follow.”