Build Confidence, Try a Train – with South East London SLC
Friday 5 December 10:00am - 1:00pm
London Bridge Train Station, Tooley Street/St Thomas Street, London, Greater London, SE1 3QX
Are you blind or partially sighted, and want to gain confidence travelling by train? Join South East London Sight Loss Council (SLC) and Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) at our ‘Try a Train event on Friday, 5 December, and explore rail travel in a safe and accessible environment.
During the event you will:
- Explore Station Facilities: Discover the accessible features and services at London Bridge Station, including the support available for blind and partially sighted passengers.
- Assistance On-Hand: Learn about the assistance offered at stations and onboard, ensuring a smoother travel experience.
- Experience a Short Journey: Take a short, guided train trip to East Croydon Station, where you’ll have the chance to familiarise yourself with onboard facilities.
- Q&A Session: Participate in an informative Q&A at East Croydon Station with representatives from Govia Thameslink Railway.
- Return Journey: After the session, you’ll return to London Bridge Station.
Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If the event reaches capacity, we will operate a wait list.
GTR’s Antony Merlyn describes onboard features to an attendee at a past Try a Train event
Book your place at South East London SLC’s ‘Try a Train’ event
- Location: London Bridge Station, Tooley Street / St Thomas Street, London, Greater London, SE1 3QX
- Friday, 5 December 2025, 10.00am – 1.00pm (book your place by 5pm, Wednesday, 3 December, 2025)
- Meeting point: Customer information point located on the lower concourse by platforms 6/7
Jordan, SE London Sight Loss Council member, said:
“Try A Train events like these, are invaluable for building a relationship directly between blind and visually impaired people and train operators like Govia Thameslink Railway.
“The changes that come about through events like this have a direct impact on the lives of disabled passengers, improving their confidence and independence.”
Liam O’Carroll, Interim Engagement Manager for London Sight Loss Councils, said:
“We are once again, thrilled to be partnering with Govia Thameslink Railway to host another ‘Try a Train’ event, this time in South East London.
“We’re grateful for their partnership and for the steps they’re taking to make travel more inclusive for people with sight loss
“They give people the chance to gain confidence with every part of the journey – from navigating stations to meeting staff and boarding a train, often for the first time.”
Antony Merlyn, Accessibility Engagement Manager for GTR, said:
“Govia Thameslink Railway’s ‘Try a Train’ events are a proven way for disabled people to explore stations and experience rail travel in a safe and supported way.
“We recently hosted two trips at Sutton and Wimbledon stations for blind and partially sighted passengers, in partnership with Thomas Pocklington Trust, South Western Railway and Transport for London Travel Mentoring Team.
“Attendees explored the stations, met our team, and took Thameslink journeys between Sutton and Wimbledon.
“Feedback was really positive and we now look forward to hosting the event again, this time between London Bridge and East Croydon in early December.”
Should you require additional assistance booking your place, please email liam.ocarroll@pocklington.org.uk or call 07970 231583.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Mike Addington, South Western Railway Accessibility Manager, talking to attendees on a train platform
About Sight Loss Councils
Sight Loss Councils are led by blind and partially sighted members. Together, they tackle local issues and work with businesses and service providers to improve the accessibility of their services.
Photography and video
During registration, you will be asked to confirm you are happy to be included in any photographs, videos or images from the event. These will be used for promotional purposes, raising the profile of our work and for sharing information and good practice. Please note, if you do not wish to be included, you may still feature in the background.
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