New trial to get essential items to vulnerable women in refuges across the country launched

The rail industry is joining forces to provide essential items such as winter coats, jumpers and children’s toys to women’s refuges nationwide, in a new initiative that builds on its commitment to support survivors of domestic abuse and the government's wider aim to halve incidents of Violence Against Women and Girls within the decade. 

Southeastern is the first train operator to partner up with London-based Solace Women’s Aid, marking the start of a trial to deliver much-needed unclaimed items directly to women’s refuges across Great Britain.  

Train operators already support the communities they serve, with unclaimed lost property from trains and stations often donated to a variety of charities. This new scheme builds on that effort by offering a more focused way to help people fleeing domestic abuse. It also provides a more sustainable way to donate, ensuring that contributions directly match the specific needs of refugees rather than simply sending items that may not be needed at the time. 

Under the new scheme, refuges will submit lists of needed items, such as clothing or toys, and train companies will supply what they can from their unclaimed lost property departments. Deliveries will be made in partnership with InPost Lockers, allowing items to reach refuges quickly and securely while keeping locations completely confidential. This approach also reduces time and cost pressures on frontline staff. 

The first delivery under the scheme was made on Wednesday, 5 November, and included a donation of two jumpers, five cuddly toys, and a collection of coats which were very needed at this time of the year. 

Jacqueline Starr, Executive Chair and CEO of Rail Delivery Group, 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.” 

Neil Kuschel, CEO of InPost UK, commented: "At InPost, we’re proud to see our locker network being used to support such an important initiative. This partnership is an example of how our innovative Send offering can make a real difference, helping essential items reach those who need them quickly and securely. Working with public sector and charity partners, such as Solace and the rail industry, reflects our commitment to using our technology for good and supporting communities across the UK." 

Cassie McMaster, Senior Corporate Partnership and Training Manager at Solace, said: “We are so pleased to work with the Rail Delivery Group and Southeastern Rail on this fantastic initiative. Survivors often arrive at the refuge with almost nothing, as they have had to flee their homes unexpectedly. Having a source of items we know these women and children need is a huge help in supporting survivors on their journeys to safety.” 

Aaron Cox, Station Manager at Southeastern, said: “When we were first approached about this scheme, we were very keen to get involved and provide further help beyond the normal support of the Rail to Refuge scheme. We regularly donate lots of unclaimed items to local and national charities, and this initiative builds on our commitment to support those in need. I'm confident that this trial will prove successful and can then be extended across other rail operators to help supply much-needed items to women's refuges across the country." 

This trial is the latest in demonstrating the industry’s commitment to helping those who are facing domestic violence. The existing Rail to Refuge scheme, run in partnership with Women’s Aid, enables people escaping domestic abuse to travel to safety for free. Since its launch in April 2020, train operators have provided free tickets to 13,054 survivors. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of those who used Rail to Refuge said they could not have made the journey if their fare had not been covered. The average journey funded through the scheme costs £73. 

Rail Delivery Group will work with train operators and refuge partners to expand the scheme in the coming months.