Try a Train: Supporting confident train travel in Greater Manchester
Tuesday 19 May 10:00am - 4:00pm
Manchester Victoria Train Station, Station Approach, Todd Street, Greater Manchester M3 1WY
Are you blind or partially sighted and living in Greater Manchester? Have you ever thought about travelling by train but weren’t sure where to start, or want to build your confidence?
On Tuesday 19 May, Greater Manchester Sight Loss Council (SLC) is teaming up with Community Rail Lancashire to host a ‘Try a Train’ event – designed to make train travel feel more accessible and far less daunting.
The event starts at 10am at the passenger assistance area (near the barriers) at Manchester Victoria train station. You’ll have the opportunity to explore a stationary train, giving you time to get familiar with the layout at your own pace.
From there, the group will take a supported journey from Manchester to Liverpool, accompanied by sighted guides and volunteers throughout.
Once in Liverpool, you’ll enjoy a relaxed light lunch before returning together to Manchester.
This is a welcoming, confidence-building experience, with support available every step of the way.
This is a free event and places are limited.
If this sounds like something you’d like to be part of, please book your place now.
During this ‘Try a Train’ event, you will:
- Explore a stationary train: Get a feel for the layout, doors, seating, and facilities before travelling.
- Learn about station support: Find out how passenger assistance works at Manchester Victoria and on the wider network.
- Take a supported journey: Travel with sighted guides from Manchester to Liverpool, with plenty of time to ask questions along the way.
- Enjoy a relaxed lunch: Spend time in Liverpool, building confidence in a supportive group environment.
- Travel back together: Return to Manchester Victoria with support available throughout
Book your place on Greater Manchester SLC’s Try a Train event
- Location: Manchester Victoria Train Station, Station Approach, Todd Street, Greater Manchester M3 1WY
- Tuesday 19 May 2026 10am – 4pm (book your place by 4pm, Friday 15 May)
- Meeting point – Passenger assistance area
Should you require additional assistance booking your place, please email david.parfett@pocklington.org.uk
A male SLC member, boarding a train independently, with his long cane
Kelly Barton, Engagement Manager for North West England, said:
“Being able to travel independently is so important. It’s what allows people to get to work, meet friends, and feel part of everyday life.
“This event is about giving blind and partially sighted people the confidence to take that step, knowing the support is there when they need it.”
Greater Manchester SLC member, Rachael, said:
“I know that trying something new like train travel can feel daunting, but you won’t be doing it alone. This is a chance to meet others, share experiences, and take that step together – hopefully leaving, feeling much more confident.”
Richard, fellow Greater Manchester SLC member, added:
“This is a great opportunity for blind and partially sighted people to explore a train and learn the layout.
“It’s great that sighted guides and volunteers will be there to support everyone, and we really want people to leave knowing the independence that train travel can give them.”
Katie Doughlas from Community Rail Lancashire said:
“Being able to explore a train in a calm, supported way, makes a big difference for blind and partially sighted passengers.
“It gives people the chance to build confidence and ask questions, and it helps reduce some of the stress experienced when travelling by train.”
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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