Local organisations including Barnes Community Association, the London Museum of Steam and Water and RUILS have all benefitted from this fund to date. Other local organisations can too.

The focus of the fund from South Western Railway (SWR) is to address an area of social need, educate or engage with the community across the its rail network.

It is intended to support small and medium-sized projects which can be completed over the course of the year. Previously they have supported more than 70 projects with a value of over £6million across their network, supporting important local causes and initiatives and delivering extensive social value and benefit.

The funding to the local groups mentioned has covered costs for a feasibility study for the Barnes Railway Bridge Green walkway (£60,000), a narrow gauge railway upgrade and a directory (£15,000) and the production and publication of a guide to help people access information and health facilities to lower self-harm and suicide rates (£16,000).

The investments across the network appear to be evenly spread between station infrastructure upgrades and improvements.

There is support for museum and arts education, health and social care activity that supports independence and encourages people to use public transport or alternative forms of travel such as walking and cycling and an emphasis on mental health.

The closing date for applications is 23.59 hours on Friday 16 September 2022.

Successful projects need to be completed between 1 April 2023 and 31 March 2024.

For full details and to apply, visit the SWR Customer and Communities Improvement Fund webpage.