GWR teams up with world-class athletes to help young people get On Track to Achieve

On Track to Achieve (OTTA) is the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust school-based mentoring programme for disadvantaged young people aged 11-19 and is designed to help them make lasting changes and fulfil their potential.

As part of GWR’s franchise agreement with the Department for Transport, the train operator is committed to supporting schools, colleges, community and other not-for-profit organisations by aiding a number of initiatives.

Funding will enable the Dame Kelly Holmes Trust to support 96 young people facing disadvantage in Southall, Reading, Bath, Bristol, Cardiff and Bridgend, equipping them with the confidence and emotional resilience to succeed in education, connect to their community and positively transition into employment, training or further education.

Community projects that may be delivered include sessions to reduce anti-social behaviours on trains and prevent train station vandalism.

Dame Kelly Holmes Trust Chief Executive Ben Hilton said:

“We are really excited to be working with GWR to deliver our On Track to Achieve programmes in six locations across their network.  This funding will allow us to support more young people in these difficult times, enabling them to learn key skills and attributes from our athlete mentors in order to build aspiration and confidence and make positive contributions to their communities.”

GWR Community Manager Emma Morris said:

“We have a specific pot of money designed to help support schools, colleges and community or other not-for-profit organisations.

“This programme builds aspirations and confidence in young people, empowering them to get their lives on track and contribute positively to their community.”

To find out more about On Track To Achieve please visit damekellyholmestrust.org

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