CrossCountry has awarded almost £17,000 to Social Bite’s Jobs First supported employment programme, helping to break down barriers to employment for people who have experienced homelessness.
The donation comes from CrossCountry’s Customer and Communities Improvement Fund, which supports projects that promote careers, economic growth, and sustainable development across the train operator’s network.
Social Bite’s Jobs First programme works directly with employers to provide supported employment opportunities for people facing homelessness. The funding will ensure the programme continues to thrive in 2025-26, providing up to 20 individuals with dedicated, trauma-informed support to help them secure and sustain employment.
As part of the Jobs First programme, Social Bite works with 11 employer partners to create inclusive workplaces where individuals can succeed – leading to improved wellbeing and other positive outcomes. The funding will further help the charity engage with up to 100 charity and statutory referral partners, ensuring clear pathways into the programme.
Ben Simkin, Regional Director for CrossCountry’s North East & Scotland region, said: “We are proud to support Social Bite and help provide opportunities for people affected by homelessness to find meaningful employment. It’s a privilege to be able to support the communities we serve - not just through our train services but also by investing in initiatives that create lasting change.”
Marzena Farana-Sherlock, Director of Social Impact at Social Bite, said: “The generous funding from CrossCountry will allow us to continue supporting individuals affected by homelessness into jobs, which can be truly life-changing. By working closely with employers and partners, we aim to create a long-term, systemic shift in how people with a background of homelessness access and sustain employment
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