As ARL colleagues come together to support festive giving across the network this Christmas, it provides a fitting moment to reflect on the social value delivered throughout 2025 – driven by colleague commitment, long-term partnerships and meaningful local action. 

Christmas giving across the network
In December, colleagues supported a Christmas appeal focused on helping people experiencing hardship across London. Donation boxes were set up across ARL locations, with teams collecting essential items, as well as gift wrapping socks and chocolates for people sleeping rough over the festive period.  

Colleagues also donated to three charities addressing critical needs: Children’s Book Project, City Harvest and Whitechapel Mission. These organisations support access to education, tackle food insecurity and provide frontline support to people experiencing homelessness. 

A year of social value in numbers
These festive activities are the latest chapter in a year of sustained social value delivery across ARL’s network. Between April and November 2025, ARL generated an estimated £229,105 in social value, including: 

• £119,048 from community initiatives 

• £53,870 from health and wellbeing activity 

• £46,260 linked to sustainability outcomes 

Colleagues also contributed 281.5 volunteering hours, equating to £4,921 of social value, demonstrating the impact of colleague-led action alongside day-to-day operational roles. 

Supporting mental health and wellbeing
A standout example of this commitment came during Men’s Mental Health Month in November, when ARL hosted its first charity football tournament. Supported by Network Rail’s mental health nurse and the Samaritans, the event combined friendly competition with open conversations around mental health. Colleagues raised almost £2,000 for the Samaritans and AndysManClub – helping to break stigma and promote men’s wellbeing across the rail industry. 

Creating welcoming community spaces
Earlier in the year, ARL collaborated with suppliers and South Norwood Community Kitchen to deliver a community garden at Norwood Junction station. Designed as a calming space for colleagues, customers and the local community, the garden promotes mental wellbeing and provides a safe haven for vulnerable customers. Built through 271.5 volunteering hours contributed by colleagues and partners, the project has generated an estimated £31,000 in social impact, highlighting the long-term value of place-based investment. 

Celebrating culture, heritage and inclusion
Alongside wellbeing and community initiatives, ARL colleagues played an active role in celebrating culture and heritage across the network. During South Asian Heritage Month, colleagues highlighted the Weaver line’s strong ties to London’s South Asian communities, including an event at Chingford station that brought together customers and local residents, while supporting a South Asian business. 

In October, ARL marked Black History Month with a programme of impactful activity, including: 

• Support for Black-owned business Dark Sugars at the Clapton station opening 

• A panel discussion with BLAM UK exploring race identity and mental health  

• A vibrant community event at Dalston Junction was delivered in partnership with the Obsidian Foundation

Together, ARL’s equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives generated an estimated £14,250 in social impact. 

Providing practical support beyond events
Providing practical support remained an important part of ARL’s approach to social value. Over the year, 24 laptops were donated to community partners: six to Breadwinners following International Women’s Day, six to Good Shepherd Mission as the April Charity Fund winner, and 12 to Young Hackney, supporting young people’s access to digital skills and opportunities. 

As colleagues reflect on the year and continue supporting communities through Christmas initiatives, ARL’s 2025 social value activity demonstrates the power of long-term partnerships, frontline involvement and collective action – delivering lasting impact across London, at Christmas and beyond.