Charity hails partnership with c2c after supported London train trip

Southend YMCA described its year-long partnership with c2c as incredibly meaningful after c2c staff accompanied residents from its Newlands housing on a supported train journey to London, and the charity's Jingle on the Line event raised nearly £700.

Southend YMCA, based beside Southend East station, has marked the close of a year-long partnership with c2c. The charity described the collaboration as incredibly meaningful after an end-of-year highlight: a supported train journey to London for residents of its Newlands housing. c2c provided donations, free train tickets, collections and opportunities to raise awareness at stations. Staff from c2c accompanied residents on the trip, and several had not visited the capital before. Key details: - The partnership ran for a year and combined practical support with public awareness activities. - c2c provided donations, free tickets, collections and allowed the charity to use its stations to share the charity's message. - Just before Christmas, c2c staff accompanied Newlands housing residents on a supported train journey to London; several participants had never made that trip before. - The charity said the experience helped boost wellbeing, confidence and mental health for those who took part. - The Jingle on the Line event raised nearly £700 to support the charity's work. Summary: Charity leaders said the partnership broadened experiences for young people and supported their wellbeing. The charity has announced a Have a Heart 2026 campaign, with online support reported as available from February 6.