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Social Responsibility at Grand Central
At Grand Central, our work is informed by a strong sense of social responsibility – to our customers, our employees, suppliers and stakeholders. We work hard to engage with all sections of the community at each location we serve. How we support our communities is a fundamental issue which underpins all aspects of our business and pervades our social responsibility ethos.
One of our priorities for community engagement are with those sections of the community which experience social exclusion – adults, young people and children.
We know there are great people doing great things in our local areas, from community action to inclusion projects and we will highlight, support and promote activities where we can, helping these great projects to improve the lives of local people living in the communities we serve.
In previous years, we've:
- Developed our award winning ‘Station Ambassadors’ scheme to promoting local communities and rail as well as supporting the rail customer.
- Worked alongside the Two Ridings Community Foundation through their Vital Signs programme.
- Supported and promoted the work being done by local organisations – Centrepoint, Huddersfield Town Foundation and the Royal National Institute of the Blind.
- Supported the Sunderland 2021 UK City of Culture Bid and to establish the area as a national centre for arts, heritage and culture.
- Worked alongside the Hartlepool community and council to develop the Hartlepool Station arts community project.
- Worked with BAFTA qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival to promote the work of emerging, talented film makers.
- Supported the National Literacy Trust to deliver reading schemes in Bradford and the North East.
- Partnered with York Theatre Royal to focus on engaging with young people and explore all elements of drama and theatre in a supportive environment.
- Worked with schools to run visits to see our art and literacy partners, Ashley Jackson – the Yorkshire Artist, the World of James Herriot, Thirsk, the Hepworth, Wakefield and Mike Pannett – Yorkshire Author.
- Worked with Brighouse Arts Festival to bring arts and entertainment to Brighouse.
- Supported and promoted community initiatives which bring visitors to local areas.
Arriva UK Trains
Grand Central is part of the Arriva UK Trains family, which has a strong commitment to social responsibility and community engagement. Its Society and Communities Strategy is designed to stretch and challenge each member of 'the family' to really excel in this area. Our Society and Communities Improvement Network brings each of the Arriva rail businesses together to share best practice and develop innovative approaches. We are focusing on five key areas, each with its own project team:
- The Locally Enterprising Railway
- Diversity and Inclusion
- Integrated Community Transport Partnerships
- Young Arts Arriva
- Station Adoption
If you want to know more about Arriva UK Trains work with communities contact our Group Advisor - Paul Salveson salvesonp@arrivatrains.co.uk