Heart of England CRP

HEART OF ENGLAND CRP AND WEST MIDLANDS TRAINS TEAMS UP WITH WHITE RIBBON TO PUT AN END TO VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

The Heart of England CRP and West Midlands Trains (WMT) have teamed up with White Ribbon – the UK’s leading charity engaging men and boys to end violence against women and girls – and Network Rail to encourage everyone to make the White Ribbon Promise to never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women.

On 25 November, there will be events taking place across the national rail network in support of White Ribbon Day 2022.

Together with the Heart of England Community Rail Partnership West Midlands Trains has commissioned local artist Emily Pettitt to be part of a special journey between Leamington Spa and Nuneaton, where she will be live drawing a striking window display representing the White Ribbon campaign. Passengers on board will invited to add their own white ribbons to this unique piece of art.

Whilst Emily is busy sketching, WMT will be on hand to provide passengers with information surrounding White Ribbon Day, how they can get involved and where people can find help and support.  The train will be leaving Leamington Spa at 14:04, arriving in Nuneaton at 14:49, before starting the return journey at 15:14, arriving at Leamington Spa at 15:54.

This year, White Ribbon Day, 25th November, falls on the same week as the start of the FIFA men’s World Cup. White Ribbon have developed #TheGoal to raise awareness about the challenges — and dangers — women and girls face in traditionally male-dominated contexts like the football pitch, but also public transportation.

Malcolm Holmes, executive director, WMRE and chair of the Heart of England CRP said:

“We want to encourage men to speak out against violence towards women and girls to promote gender equality in all aspects of society, including the railway.

“It’s through awareness-raising campaigns like White Ribbon Day that we can make a real difference in our local community by calling-out and changing damaging behaviours. I’m pleased that the Heart of England CRP has been able to help make this important event happen.”

WMT Customer Experience Director Jonny Wiseman said:

“I’m proud that West Midlands Trains is leading the way among the rail industry, alongside Network Rail to help change harmful attitudes and create safe cultures and environments for women and girls to live free from fear of violence. This year on White Ribbon Day the rail industry and our community partners will come together and start playing as a team to end violence against women and girls. I hope our customers will join us in making the White Ribbon promise.”

For more information about White Ribbon Day please visit White Ribbon Day 2022

For more information about West Midlands Railway or London Northwestern Railway please visit: WMR or LNR