Build Confidence on the Tracks – Try a Train with South Yorkshire Sight Loss Council
Thursday 10 September 10:00am - 4:00pm
Sheffield Railway Station, Sheaf Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S1 2BP
South Yorkshire Sight Loss Council has teamed up with Northern to host a practical Try a Train event for blind and partially sighted people looking to build confidence and learn more about rail travel.
During the session, attendees will have the chance to explore the station environment, find out how passenger assistance works, and take part in a supported train journey alongside Northern staff and Sight Loss Council volunteers.
What to expect
During the event, you will:
- Explore Station Facilities: Discover the accessible features, services and support available for blind and partially sighted passengers at Sheffield Station.
- 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 from Sheffield station to a mystery location, where you’ll have the chance to familiarise yourself with onboard facilities.
- Ask questions along the way: Staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions throughout the event.
- Return Journey: After the session, you’ll return to Sheffield station.
- Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If the event reaches capacity, we will operate a waitlist.
Event details
Date: Thursday, 10 September 2026 (book your place by 5pm, Tuesday 8 September)
Time: 10am – 2pm
Location: Sheffield Railway Station, Sheaf Street, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S1 2BP
Meeting point – Assisted Travel Lounge, located on the main station concourse at Sheffield Station
Should you require additional assistance booking your place, please email iain.mitchell@pocklington.org.uk
Attendees at Leeds train station, during a Try a Train event earlier this year
Iain Mitchell, Senior Engagement Manager
“This will be the third Try a Train event promoted by Yorkshire Sight Loss Councils in the past six months. These events provide a fantastic opportunity for people living with sight loss to gain practical experience of travelling by rail in a supportive environment.
“As well as taking a short train journey alongside other blind and partially sighted passengers, attendees will learn about the latest developments in rail travel, including passenger assistance, station layouts and train accessibility features. There will also be opportunities to ask questions, share feedback and discuss any concerns directly with trained railway staff.”
Verity Peat, North Yorkshire SLC member, added:
“The Try a Train event I attended was fantastic. The staff were incredibly attentive, and I felt safe, supported and, most importantly, listened to.
“The experience increased my confidence when travelling by train and gave me a better understanding of the support available both now and in the future.
“I would encourage any blind or partially sighted person interested in rail travel to sign up and attend the Try a Train event in Sheffield.”
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 whether you are happy to be included in photographs, videos or other images taken during 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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