Empowering Communities: Charity Secures Funding From LNER To Promote Good Health

A North East-based charity which encourages and inspires people to be more physically active and take care of their mental well-being is welcoming funding from LNER’s Customer and Community Investment Fund (CCIF). 

Rise, based in North Shields, works across Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland, improving the quality of life for people in those communities who need it most, using the power of physical activity. Rise works closely with regional partners across health, education, transport and more – to show how physical activity can tackle inequalities and help solve some of the biggest issues affecting our communities.  

The award from LNER’s community fund will help towards continuing the vital work of the charity’s ‘Healthy Minds for Healthy Lives’ project. The scheme is particularly targeted and focused on maintaining good mental and physical health for men in the North East, and LNER was inspired by the great work already being seen in Berwick-upon-Tweed.  

LNER’s community fund supports charities and organisations across the 956-mile East Coast route. To date more than one hundred projects have been awarded funding for their work in enhancing people’s opportunities to get into work, promoting mental health and wellbeing, helping people suffering from loneliness or social isolation and environmental initiatives. Rise has received its funding in the latest round of awards. 

Jade Scott, Strategic Lead for place at Rise, said: “We thrilled to have been successful in our bid for funding. Rise’s team carries out life-changing work in Berwick with men aged 16-30, using the power of physical activity to address a range of wider issues including mental health, unemployment and poverty. This valuable funding will help us continue and expand this work – and change the lives of many more people. Thank you to LNER - as well as everyone who supported us. We’re so grateful.” 

Rachael Wilson, Community Investment Manager at LNER, said: “We’re proud to support the Healthy Minds for Healthy Lives project through our Customer and Community Fund.  Our communities along our route are very important to us. We are delighted the funding will help Rise in its work to improve health and well-being across the North East, making a real difference to people’s lives.”