Pilot projects to help youngsters

Getting involved with railway projects could help tackle insecurity among young people, says the Department for Transport.

Its scheme is one of 12 projects that will be led by Community Rail Network. Pilots will run in Bristol and Gloucester, Blackburn with Darwen, Newcastle, and County Durham.

They are targeted at 15-to-24-year-olds from diverse backgrounds (including low incomes), and include rail-based excursions, travel skills and confidence-building, creative activities, and youth-led projects.

The Tackling Loneliness with Transport Fund will provide nearly £5 million worth of kick-start funding.