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Train Companies Support LGBT+ Youth Charity Work

Virgin Trains and CrossCountry by Arriva support local LGBT+ youth charity work.

CrossCountry and Virgin Trains has enabled several young members of the Proud Trust to access a vitally important residential through their generous provision of travel for the group.

The Proud Trust is a life saving and life enhancing organisation that helps young LGBT+ people empower themselves to make a positive change for themselves and their communities. They have been working collaboratively with the COLOURS network with lead worker Chloe Cousins, which brings together LGBT+ young people and youth workers of colour to share and learn together.

For many young people of colour the recent increase in racism and LGBTphobia can have a traumatic impact on their lives; the COLOURS residential provides an opportunity to feel safe, supported, and able to explore identity and develop good friendships and peer support networks.

Joanna Buckley, Community Manager at Virgin Trains, said: “For over 22 years we have been proud to serve diverse communities along our West Coast route with our equally diverse Virgin Trains team. Working with Community Rail Lancashire we are delighted to have been able to play a part in giving members of the Proud Trust an opportunity to connect with young LGBT+ people to share experiences and help make a difference in their own communities.” 

Daisy Chapman-Chamberlain, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead at Community Rail Lancashire said: “We are extremely grateful for the support provided by CrossCountry and Virgin Trains in facilitating the travel for these young LGBT+ people. Without their support it would not have been possible for the young people to access this vital service, where they have the space to discuss, explore and create.”

The Proud Trust are grateful to Community Rail Lancashire, Virgin and CrossCountry for the support they have given in making this residential possible for young people.

In February 2020 the COLOURS network will host its second festival for LGBT+ young people of COLOUR in Manchester and they are keen to hear from young people wishing to take part. Contact info@theproudtrust.org for more details.