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Charities supported by Network Rail

Combat Stress
Combat stress provides specialist help and care to ex-Service men and women with a range of psychological injuries ranging including clinical depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  www.combatstress.org.uk

Network Rail is supporting Combat Stress by contributing towards the costs of employing a regional welfare officer, based in the North East of England.

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SOBS)
SOBS’s mission is to break the isolation of the bereaved by offering emotional support for those affected by suicide.  They aim to provide a safe, confidential environment in which bereaved people can share their experiences and feelings, so giving and gaining support from each other, promoting wellbeing and self esteem.
More information can be found at: www.uk-sobs.org.uk

Network Rail is working with SOBS by funding the training of group leaders and help line volunteers. We also aim to raise awareness of the services offered by this organisation that could support our people and members of the public affected by suicide.

Woking Homes
Woking Homes provides subsidised residential care for up to 50 elderly residents who have at any time been employed in the rail industry. The charity has been supported over the years by thousands of railwaymen and women and with over 60 years of experience, the management of Woking Homes pride themselves on offering a highly professional care service for older people, with a personal touch. 
More information can be found at: www.woking-homes.co.uk

Supporting Woking Homes: Network Rail is funding the recruitment of a part-time fundraiser who will focus on securing a long term future for Woking Homes.

999 Club
Based in the London Borough of Lewisham, one of the most deprived local authorities in England, the 999 Club supports society’s most excluded members – the homeless, the addicted, the mentally ill, ex-offenders, the elderly and a small number of children who may have been neglected by their parents due to their desperate and dangerous lifestyles. More information can be found at: www.999club.org

Network Rail has part-funded a part-time case worker who will aim to support 150 people over a year who are homeless or at high risk of becoming homeless.

Cricklewood Homeless Concern
Cricklewood Homeless Concern (CHC) is a community resource centre that works with single homeless people who have multiple problems, usually to do with substance misuse, mental health and unemployment.  More information can be found at: www.chc.org.uk

CHC provides hot meals in comfortable surroundings to people with often chaotic lifestyles. Network Rail is funding the employment of a part-time chef who will engage with the people that use CHC services, introducing them to cooking classes where they have an opportunity to learn about food nutrients and the importance and health benefits of a good diet, irrespective of situation or a limited budget, such as preventing illness. Network Rail’s head chef will work with the charity to recruit the chef and deliver a training programme, aiming to provide qualifications to an NVQ level which will help project volunteers back into employment.

Homeless Outreach Project
The Homeless Outreach Project (HOP) aims to provide support for homeless adults in Edinburgh, particularly those who experience difficulties with substance use, mental health, HIV/Hepatitis C, accessing accommodation and resettlement, accessing medical services or any other difficulties that require intensive support from their specialist staff.  More information can be found at: www.hopuk.org

Network Rail has contributed towards the recruitment and employment of a hostel addictions worker in order to provide support to homeless people with substance use issues.  This person will provide addictions counselling, refer clients to appropriate services (including substitute prescribing through a partnership with the substance misuse team), and facilitate substance use group support.

Nightstop Teesside
Nightstop’s aim is to try to prevent youth homelessness by ensuring that young people have a safe alternative, and by working with them to either return home, if it is safe and appropriate to do so, or helping them to find appropriate move on accommodation.  More information can be found at: www.nightstop-teesside.co.uk

Network Rail is part-funding 250 nights of supported accommodation over a twelve month period, providing assistance for 25 young people.

Reading Single Homeless Project
Reading Single Homeless Project (RSHP) is dedicated to ending social exclusion caused by homelessness.  More information can be found at: www.rshp.co.uk

Network Rail is supporting RSHP’s Allotment Project which is an opportunity for the people the charity works with to access and enjoy a regular outdoor activity that promotes healthy living, boosts motivation and enhances communication skills. Additionally, the project challenges social exclusion and promotes participation and team work, in turn enhancing confidence, motivation and self-esteem through providing a tangible outcome.

Save the Family
It is one of the few organisations in the UK that supports homeless families as families, rather than separating adults and children with 24 homeless families staying at the family centre at any one time.  During their stay the charity works with the whole family to address the causes of homelessness and to help families progress towards independent life in local communities. More information can be found at: www.savethefamily.uk.com

The Plas Bellin family centre in North Wales is surrounded by 10.5 acres of wooded grounds with three ponds. Network Rail is funding the first stage of a long term project aiming to develop these areas into enjoyable educational spaces for use by the families being supported by the charity.

British Science Association
The British Science Association (BSA) advances the public understanding, accessibility and accountability of the sciences and engineering.  It organises major initiatives across the UK, including the annual British Science Festival, National Science and Engineering Week, programmes of regional and local events, and an extensive programme for young people in schools and colleges (Creativity in Engineering, Science and Technology, CREST). More information can be found at: www.britishscienceassociation.org

Network Rail is sponsoring CREST (Creativity in Engineering, Science and Technology), the only nationally recognised accreditation scheme for project work in the fields of science, engineering and technology. CREST awards aim to motivate students, build confidence and encourage them to pursue careers in science, engineering and technology. There are lots of opportunities for volunteering with this organisation being confirmed.

The Engineering Development Trust
The Engineering Development Trust (EDT’s) mission is to encourage, inspire and motivate more young people to fulfil their potential through careers in science, engineering and technology (SET).  They run schemes nationwide and annually involve over 5000 students across the UK. More information can be found at: www.etrust.org.uk

Network Rail is helping EDT develop a Go4SET project based around sustainable transport systems. The project will give Year 9 students a taste of real engineering for the duration of the 10 week project, encouraging them to stay with the science and engineering subjects for GCSE.

The Smallpeice Trust
The Smallpeice Trust aims to promote engineering, manufacturing, enterprise, design and technology as a career to young people by providing professional, subsidised programmes of day and residential courses, in-school Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and associated educational activities.  The events provide young people, aged 12 to 17 with the opportunity to enjoy working with engineers and technical specialists from industry to stimulate an interest in engineering. More information can be found ate: www.smallpeicetrust.org.uk

Network Rail is funding the delivery of 20 STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) days in schools, attended by 50 year 9 students and 40 residential scheme places.

Young Engineers
The main aim of Young Engineers is to inspire young people to recognise the importance and excitement of a career in engineering.  They aim to stimulate interest, appreciation and engagement in the practical application of engineering by young people in primary and secondary education.  It enables volunteer teachers and their supporters to provide exciting, challenging and creative activities that enrich the STEM curriculum whilst recognising the constraints of available resources. The Young Engineers Club Network supports the setting-up of extra-curricular engineering clubs and enriches the activities of existing clubs. More information can be found at: www.youngeng.org

Network Rail is the major sponsor of the Junior Engineers for Britain K’NEX Challenge, an exciting series of in-school engineering problem solving activities for primary school pupils delivered by visiting engineers.