Young People Leading Change at Fairfield Station

Thanks to funding from TransPennine Express through the TransPennine Route Upgrade (TRU), a group of young people from Fairfield High School for Girls have transformed Fairfield Station while developing valuable skills and exploring exciting career opportunities.

The project began with students carrying out a station audit, identifying ways to improve their local station and learning how social action can create positive change. Working within a real project budget, they planned their ideas, took ownership of different tasks and developed skills in teamwork, leadership, communication, creativity and project management.

One of the highlights of the programme was presenting their ideas to the Regional Community and Sustainability Manager at Northern Rail. Their recommendations led to the installation of a defibrillator at the station, along with other improvements to the station environment, showing the group that their voices can make a real difference.

The students also led the creation of a vibrant mural celebrating inspiring local women. They organised a whole-school design competition before working with a professional mural artist to bring the winning design to life, leaving a lasting legacy for the local community.

Alongside the mural, the group created a promotional video documenting the project and designed the campaign branding, developing their digital and creative skills throughout the process.

As part of the project, students also met with the Social Value Manager from the TransPennine Route Upgrade to learn about the wide range of careers available across the rail industry. The session broadened their understanding of opportunities in engineering, project management, communications and other STEM careers, while encouraging more girls and young women to consider these pathways.

By the end of the programme, the students had not only made a lasting improvement to Fairfield Station but had also developed confidence, practical skills and the belief that they can make a positive difference in their community.

A huge thank you to TransPennine Express and the TransPennine Route Upgrade for supporting this fantastic project and helping young people turn their ideas into lasting community change.