Hucknall and Bulwell tram operator announces 2026 charity of the year

Continuing to build on its charitable activity in 2025, where the network raised more than £17,000 for Nottingham-based charities, the announcement means that Nottinghamshire Mind will be NET’s focus for charity efforts in 2026.

This commitment was kick-started this May, as employees raised more than £400 during the fourth edition of ‘Walk the Network’ initiative.

The team is also training to tackle the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge once more this June, which will include climbing the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales, alongside further activities throughout the year that will see NET reach new fundraising heights in 2026.

Chosen through a vote by NET staff, Nottinghamshire Mind aims to educate, inform, and build resilience of the local community in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, including creating a space where people with mental health problems can feel accepted and find ways to move forward.

The charity is part of a wider movement which, together with approximately 100 independent Local Minds across England and Wales, works alongside the National Mind teams to stand up for better mental health for everyone.

Rebecca Horne, business engagement manager at NET, said: “As a Nottingham public transport operator, we’re always really passionate about supporting causes close to home that nourish and enrich our local community, and Nottinghamshire Mind is a fantastic example of a cause that does just that.

"Mental health awareness is a really important topic in the light rail world and something we have worked hard to build into our culture at NET, ensuring all our staff feel supported.

"Partnering with the Nottinghamshire Mind team will serve as an extension of those efforts, while allowing us to support the work they do across the county.”

Nottinghamshire Mind is shaped to support the needs specifically of the local community, where it raises awareness of the real-life experiences of those facing mental health challenges, while ensuring they get the help they need.

Nicola Rea, chief executive at Nottinghamshire Mind, said: “We’re delighted to be chosen by NET as their charity of the year – it shows a real commitment to supporting mental health.

"We’re excited to work together to make a positive difference, helping to start conversations, challenge stigma and support better mental health across our local communities.”

“Being chosen as NET’s charity of the year is a fantastic opportunity to work together to support mental health.

"Partnerships like this are vital for breaking down stigma and encouraging open conversations, and we’re excited to collaborate with the team to raise awareness and create lasting impact.”

And, while the year will see the team focus its fundraising efforts on support for Nottinghamshire Mind, the year will also feature fundraising for a range of additional local charities through personal staff fundraising.

Rebecca added: “Over the coming months, our team will be working hard to help raise funds for Nottinghamshire Mind through a range of events, challenges and sponsorships.

"However, alongside this, we’ll also be supporting a range of other local charities and causes dedicated to making a real difference to the community that we serve.”