The rail industry has joined forces to provide essential items such as winter coats, jumpers, and children’s toys to women’s refuges across Great Britain, in a new initiative supporting survivors of domestic abuse and the government’s goal to halve Violence Against Women and Girls within a decade.
Southeastern is the first train operator to partner with Solace Women’s Aid, launching a trial to deliver unclaimed lost property directly to refuges. Traditionally, train operators donate unclaimed items to charities, but this scheme offers a targeted approach, ensuring donations match the specific needs of women and children fleeing abuse.
Under the scheme:
- Refuges submit lists of needed items, such as clothing or toys.
- Train companies supply what they can from lost property departments.
- Deliveries are made securely via InPost Lockers, keeping refuge locations confidential and reducing time and cost pressures on staff.
The first delivery, made on 5 November, included coats, jumpers, and cuddly toys – items urgently needed during winter.
Executive Chair and CEO of the Rail Delivery Group, Jacqueline Starr, said:
“The railway has a long history of helping people in times of need and this initiative is another way we can make a real difference. By working together with refuges and partners like InPost, we’re ensuring that items which might otherwise go unused reach those who need them most safely and quickly. We are committed to supporting the most vulnerable people within the communities we serve.”
This initiative builds on the success of Rail to Refuge, which has provided free train travel to 13,054 survivors since April 2020. Nearly two-thirds of users said they could not have escaped without the scheme, which covers fares averaging £73 per journey.
The Rail Delivery Group will work with operators and refuge partners to expand the scheme nationwide in the coming months, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities.
Image credit: Rail Delivery Group
