GWR grant will help refugees and non-EU migrants to master UK’s public transport systems
A project to help refugees and non-EU migrants to navigate their way around public transport systems in London and Bristol has received a £37,000 grant from Great Western Railway.
The IMPACT programme, delivered by Groundwork South and Groundwork London, will tackle several common travel issues faced by migrants, delivering tailored workshops in both destinations.
Sessions will also support those with extra needs, such as older people, those with disabilities, people with young children, and those who have very limited English.
As part of GWR’s franchise agreement with the Department for Transport, the train operator is committed to supporting community and not-for-profit organisations by aiding a number of initiatives.
Groundwork South Trust’s Gabrielle Bailey said:
“For refugees and non-EU migrants, a challenging obstacle to integration is a lack of understanding of public transport systems. Inadequate understanding of transport links means they have limited ways to navigate and acclimatise to their new city.
“Our project will empower participants in London and Bristol to use transport systems confidently, increasing their integration in their new community by facilitating opportunities to use public transport to commute to interviews/ work, socialise with friends, take children to school and generally explore their new local area.”
Sessions will include:
- Basic map-reading and orienteering of local area, including discussions around visiting local attractions e.g. museums, parks
- Guidance on the local area and information around accessing parks
- Training on how to read public transport maps and timetables
- Advice on how to use digital apps for planning and booking journeys
- Guidance around travel cards and other passenger benefits/discounts
Ealing Central & Acton MP Rupa Huq said:
“I am pleased to see Groundwork will be doing some work to break down travel barriers to support community integration. I am sure they will make extremely good use of the funding.”
GWR Community Manager Emma Morris said:
“We have a specific pot of money designed to support community and not-for-profit organisations. Refugees and migrants coming to the UK clearly face challenges as they try to navigate and acclimatise to their new city.
“Public transport is crucial to integration, providing access to financial, social, and medical, employment and educational institutions, and as a transport provider we were very keen to support Groundwork’s initiative.”
To find out more about Groundwork South Trust Ltd, please visit groundwork.org.uk/hubs-old/south To find out more about Groundwork London Trust Ltd, please visit groundwork.org.uk/hubs/london
Notes to editors
First Greater Western Limited, trading as “Great Western Railway” (GWR), operates trains across the Great Western franchise area, which includes South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, across southern England and into London. GWR provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services, and before the covid-19 pandemic helped over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year. GWR was recently awarded an extension to its direct award franchise (called DA3), which shall run up to 31 March 2023 with an option to extend for a further year.
Find out more here: https://www.gwr.com/about-us
Contact Information
John Carter
Media and Communications Manager
Great Western Railway
0845 410 4444