CrossCountry contributes to Social Bite’s Jobs First programme to support people affected by homelessness into employment

Train operator 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.”

A recent report from The Centre for Homelessness and Inclusion Health at the University of Edinburgh highlighted the significant economic and social benefits of the Jobs First programme, reinforcing its impact as a best-practice approach.

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.”

More information about Social Bite and the Jobs First programme can be found at www.social-bite.co.uk.

For details on CrossCountry’s Customer and Communities Improvement Fund, visit www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/xc-community-hub/ccif-fund. 

Contact Information

CrossCountry Press Office: [email protected]

About CrossCountry

CrossCountry is a long-distance passenger train operator, with a network stretching from Aberdeen to Penzance and from Stansted to Cardiff and calling at over 100 stations. Based in Birmingham, CrossCountry connects seven of Britain’s 10 largest cities and delivers 240 services every weekday, equating to over 42 million passenger journeys each year.

For further information on CrossCountry services, visit crosscountrytrains.co.uk or visit one of our social media platforms via X @crosscountryuk or Facebook at facebook.com/crosscountrytrains