Community groups in Cambridgeshire can apply for a share of half a million pounds for funding from Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR).

The train operator confirmed that applications are now open for funding bids to "bring ideas to life" from East Anglia down to the south east.

The bidding is part of GTR's 'Your Station, Your Community' scheme, which aims to strengthen the ties between train stations and the communities they serve.

Support ranges from £300 to £50,000. 

Projects which involve the local train station and make a difference to the community are eligible, with a focus on six "key themes":

  • Positive mental health
  • Diversity and inclusion
  • Employability and confidence building
  • Improving the station environment
  • Environmental sustainability
  • Railway 200 (a celebration in 2025 to mark 200 years of passenger rail travel in the UK)

Cambridgeshire-based community groups have applied for funding in the past with success. 

Centre 33, which is based in Huntingdon and Peterborough, is a group that provides mental health support and/or practical support for young people in need in areas including employment, education, finance, housing, relationships, and sexual health.

Their 'Someone to Talk to' service runs across five support hubs in Cambridge, Wisbech, Ely, Huntingdon and Peterborough. 

Funding provided by GTR is set to support the service from a new, second hub in Huntingdon.

A spokesperson for GTR said: "Prospective applicants are encouraged to apply before the closing date on 18 December.

"Funding should be for projects that require one-off funding, rather than long-term financial support such as employment.

"The scheme will need to show how it strengthens links between the GTR network and the areas it serves – with clear plans on how the project will be delivered.

"Final approval of each grant award will be made by the Department for Transport."

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