Together Weekly - 07.06.24

TOGETHER

We joined our colleagues from LNER and TRU to celebrate the start of Pride Month in York

LGBTQ+

NETWORK KICKS OFF PRIDE SEASON AT YORK PARADE

More than 100 colleagues from TPE, LNER and TRU came together to celebrate the start of Pride season at York Pride Parade and Festival.

Proudly adorned in colourful t-shirts and glitter face paint, and carrying banners and flags, the teams gathered at York Station to witness an industry first – TPE’s ‘Unity’ train platformed alongside LNER’s ‘Together’ train.

Harriet Harbidge, Diversity and Inclusion Manager at TPE, said: “Seeing the 'Unity' and 'Together' trains side by side is a powerful symbol of our commitment to diversity and inclusion. At TPE, we strive to create a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected, and joining forces with LNER to celebrate Pride highlights the solidarity and support within the rail industry for the LGBTQIA+ community.”

After stopping to capture the momentous moment with a group picture in front of the trains, colleagues joined York’s vibrant parade, which wound through the streets of the historic city.

The teams were joined by members and beneficiaries of LGBTQIA+ youth charities Mosaic Trust and The

Proud Trust. Having announced our partnership with The Proud Trust during TPE Week of Inclusion, we’re helping the charity in its mission to raise £78,000 this summer – a fundraising target that will help provide 1,500 hours of support for young people. More information on how you can help, will be circulated in the coming weeks. You can also find out more about donating at www.theproudtrust.org

Throughout the summer, we will be taking part in several other Pride celebrations, including Kirklees Pride (15 June) – where TRU representatives will also be getting involved – and Manchester Pride (24 August), where we’ll once again be flying the flag for TPE in the parade. We’ll also be celebrating Pride season by sharing colleague stories and highlights from our LGBTQ+ Network.

Take a look at pictures from York Pride here and watch a video from the day. The event was also sponsored by TRU, you can watch their video from the day here.

Happy Pride season to all our colleagues celebrating!

TPE SAFEGUARDING HUB HELPS YOUNG PEOPLE TO TRAVEL WITH CONFIDENCE

Young people from The Warren Youth Project enjoyed a day out at the National Railway Museum in York recently in partnership with the Safer Hull Paragon Hub.

Travelling on the TPE network with colleagues from the safeguarding hud and Youth Workers, and using tickets from Community Rail Network, the group of fourteen 16-25 year olds from Hull, who had a range of additional travel needs including visual, mobility and sensory, proudly organised the trip to the museum themselves. Ahead of their trip, the group visited Hull station, booked Passenger Assist and familiarised themselves with travel safety information. On the day they met at the Safer Hull Paragon Hub and were joined by Kim Peake, Community Hub Coordinator.

Kim said: “We had a brilliant time at the National Railway Museum. Young people have a lot to contribute and their lived experience and knowledge on a range of travel issues is invaluable in continuing to develop inclusive travel opportunities.

“The group shared how health conditions, access and finances are all barriers to confident and enjoyable train travel, so I was really pleased that the TPE safeguarding hub could help.”

Feedback from the group included: “It was a good day, I would do it again”, “The Wonder Lab was amazing, I loved it and it was great to get out of Hull”, and “Everyone had a brilliant time exploring York.”

The Warren Youth Project provides vital support services for young people in Hull aged 16 to 25. Visit their website to find out more.

DON'T FORGET TO NOMINATE YOUR SHINING STARS BY 19 JUNE

Don't forget that our 2024 Star Awards are open for nominations, and this year they’re recognising our new values in action.

If you know of a colleague, or team, who regularly goes above and beyond to make someone’s day, raise the bar, and pull together - all while being themselves - why not give them the recognition they deserve?

The closing date for nominations is Wednesday 19 June 2024. Cast your nomination here.

The Warren Youth Project provides vital support services for young people in Hull.

Cast your nominations by Wednesday 19 June

The group enjoyed a day out to the National Railway Museum with the TPE safeguarding Hub

GOING THE EXTRA MILE - OUR NEW VALUES IN ACTION

We’re sent some amazing feedback about our colleagues from customers, here are just a few that have been shared recently.

Kudos to @TPExpressTrains for their First Class hosts over the weekend. First Class quite literally. Attentive service throughout both ways. Can't give enough credit to the staff. I'm already planning for another trip with them soon! #raisingthebar

@TPExpressTrains big thank you to train crew and catering staff on the 0812 from Liverpool Lime Street to Glasgow Central, Outstanding customer service, many many thanks #pulltogether

I just wanted to highlight what a credit to your company the gentleman serving drinks and snacks in First Class is. He was a real joy, taking the time to make sure every passenger was looked after, understood all their options and the fact catering was available only as far as Manchester. Each time he came around he remembered previous orders and he was always smiling, always friendly, always keen to ensure everyone was feeling comfortable and had everything they need. #makesomeone’sday