Achievements

The social and economic benefits associated with diversity and inclusiveness is well evidenced, and we were delighted when the group’s strong ethos and practices to influence positive change resulted in us winning first prize in the ‘Influencing Positive Change’ category of the Community Rail Awards in 2018!

To date the group has representation on the Community Rail Network board and COMREG (Community Rail Executive Group) and holds the Chair of the West Lancashire, East Lancashire and the Clitheroe Line CRP.

The group’s work helps to widen the reach of community rail to new potential supporters and a wider pool of talent, which ultimately brings innovative responses to changing conditions. WiCR believe this assists the challenge community rail faces with the lack of a younger cohort of volunteers coming through. The group send out regular e-blasts to members, attend promotional events, visit rail user groups and CRPs, support initiatives such as ‘women who wander’ and ‘amazing women by rail.’ WiCR has also conducted surveys in relation to barriers to travel that affect women. The results were shared at COMREG. WiCR has also been contacted by a group in Australia asking for advice and guidance and also to share their expertise and best practice across the globe.

A WiCR south group was recently formed from within our membership and we are delighted to support the group to grow and flourish.