London SLC’s Blackfriars ‘Coffee and Chat’ event with Govia Thameslink Railway
Tuesday 20 May 10:30am - 1:00pm
The Riverview Room, London Blackfriars station
This spring, London Sight Loss Councils (SLCs) invite blind and partially sighted people to our second ‘Coffee and Chat’ events with Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) at London Blackfriars railway station (20 May).
Join us to learn about accessible rail travel and discover information on the support available. This includes the launch of our new, free resources designed to help you navigate your train journeys more easily.
Book Blackfriars 20 May (morning session starting at 10.30 am)
Book Blackfriars 20 May (afternoon session starting at 12 pm)
SLC Volunteers Paul, Jordan and Coordinator Liam standing in front of the SLC banner at Blackfriars station
Booking details for are Blackfriars event will be announced shortly.
We are hosting these identical ‘Coffee and Chat’ events that include:
- a taster of our new audio map which gives you an overview of the station and its layout
- an excerpt of our new onboard descriptions which explain the layout of various train models
- tips from blind and partially sighted people on how to make the most of these free guides
- a chance to feedback and tell us what you think about our resources
- the opportunity to feedback other ways your journeys could be improved
- the chance to ask questions and get advice from frequent travellers.
Paul Hsu, North London SLC volunteer, said:
“It is a good opportunity to listen to the feedback from the community. This feedback is comprehensive and constructive and will ultimately improve the accessibility of GTR’s rail network.”
Jordan Brennan, South East London SLC volunteer, said:
“Attending the Coffee and Chat events, like the one at London Blackfriars, are very important for building closer relationships between the users and train companies like GTR. This allows for direct feedback and brainstorming to improve transport accessibility for those that require it most.”
Senior Sight Loss Council Engagement Manager, Nicki Guy, shared about this event:
“We’re really excited to welcome people to our second Coffee and Chat event. We look forward to sharing updates on our work at Sutton Station as part of our ‘Your Station, Your Community’ project with Govia Thameslink Railway.
“We want to remove some of the barriers blind and partially sighted people face when using the train network, and hopefully this project has done just that.
“Join us on 20 May, to find out more!”
Book your place onto our ‘Coffee and Chat’ events
Please add an additional place for any guide or companion you bring with you.
London Blackfriars station (morning or afternoon event)
- We are holding two events on 20 May. The first will run from 10.30 to 11.30am, and the second from 12pm to 1pm.
- Meeting point: Platform One Gate line (North Side/St Paul’s)
- Location: The Riverview Room, London Blackfriars station, Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 4DY
- By rail: London Blackfriars railway station is serviced by Thameslink Railway and limited to Southeastern routes. Make your way to the northern end (City side, not Southbank) of platform one where staff at the gate line will direct you. Blackfriars mainline station is a ‘Category A’ station and has step-free access to all platforms.
- By underground: Both the Circle and District line goes to Blackfriars underground station. From ground level, follow signs for National Rail and go up to platform one gate line. By bus:
- Bus stop Blackfriars Station: South Entrance Bus routes – 40, 63 Bus stop Blackfriars Station: North Entrance Bus routes – 40, 63 Bus stop Blackfriars Station Bus route – 4
- Please note, space is extremely limited and will be offered on a first come, first served basis. We will operate a wait list
Book Blackfriars 20 May (morning session starting at 10.30 am)
Book Blackfriars 20 May (afternoon session starting at 12 pm)
For any queries, please email info@sightlosscouncils.org.uk
Sight Loss Councils and GTR look forward to continuing our work on the Your Station, Your Community‘ project. We are excited to repeat these events this spring, with even more opportunities and improvements in store.