London SLCs ‘Coffee and Chat’ events with Govia Thameslink Railway
Friday 2 May 11:00am - 12:30pm
London Blackfriars station and Sutton Vision
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). These events will be held at London Blackfriars railway station (20 May) and Sutton Vision (2 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 Sutton Vision event on 2 May
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 2 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.
Sutton Vision (morning event only)
- Friday, 2 May 2025, 11.00am to 12:30pm
- Sutton Vision, 3 Robin Hood Lane, Sutton SM1 2SW
- Book morning session starting 11am at Sutton Vision by 5pm, Wednesday 30 April 2025.
- The nearest car parks are at Gibson Road and St. Nicholas Centre. Sutton Vision has a car park for blue badge holders. The nearest main line train station is Sutton.
- Bus routes: 80, 151, 164, 213, 280, 407, 413, 420, S1, S2, S3 and S4 stop in St Nicholas Way outside the Library/Civic centre and St. Nicholas Centre/Omniplex Cinema.
Book Sutton Vision event on 2 May
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. Booking information and meeting point details coming soon. Please contact SLC Coordinator, Liam O’Carroll on 07970 231 583 to register your interest.
- Location: Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 4DY
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.