Southeastern launch training and mentorship scheme

Southeastern and Refocus will offer training, school workshops and holiday clubs

Southeastern has launched a new on-job training and mentorship programme.

The project aims to support families on low incomes in Dartford and Gravesend, with school workshops for 2,000 pupils, on-job training for 25 young people and holiday clubs for 90 children from marginalised groups.

The scheme, in partnership with the charity Refocus, is funded through a £49,930 grant from the rail operator's Customer and Community Improvement Fund (CCIF), Southeastern said.

Refocus, which provides early intervention for young people at risk of exploitation or falling into crime, said working with Southeastern was allowing them to "scale up" its work.

The project is one of 11 initiatives funded through the CCIF this year, Southeastern said.

Damian Testa, from Southeastern, said: "Southeastern was the first passenger train operator in the country to publish a Social Mobility Action Plan, which aims to remove the barriers people from disadvantaged communities can face and help them to access training, education and employment opportunities."

Other projects have included support for disabled travellers, domestic abuse survivors and mentoring for young people at risk.

Lennox Rodgers, founder of Refocus, said: "All young people want to be independent and improve their lives, and with the right role models and support, we can help those vulnerable to becoming involved in crime or gangs towards a better path."

Southeastern has previously partnered with Canterbury Christchurch University as part of efforts to boost career development.