Build Confidence on the Tracks – Try a Train with Merseyside Sight Loss Council and Bradbury Fields
Wednesday 4 November 10:00am - 3:30pm
Liverpool Lime Street Railway Station, Lime Street, Liverpool, L1 1JD
Are you blind or partially sighted and interested in feeling more confident travelling by train?
Join Merseyside Sight Loss Council and Bradbury Fields Sight Loss Charity for a free Try a Train event on Wednesday 4 November, supported by Community Rail.Network.
The day will begin at 10am, at the Passenger Assistance area at Liverpool Lime Street station. There will be time to familiarise yourself with the station, meet staff, and explore some of the support available before travelling together by train to Manchester.
Once in Manchester, you will enjoy a light lunch before making the return journey to Liverpool Lime Street. We expect to arrive back at the station at approximately 3.30pm.
Sighted guides will be available throughout the day, and you do not need to have previous experience of train travel to take part. The event is a chance to ask questions, try out the journey in a relaxed and supportive environment, and build confidence for future independent travel.
What to expect
During the event, you will:
- Explore Liverpool Lime Street station: Discover the facilities, services, and support available for blind and partially sighted passengers.
- Meet station and rail staff: Learn more about passenger assistance and how staff can support you throughout your journey.
- Experience a supported train journey: Travel together from Liverpool to Manchester in a relaxed and friendly environment.
- Enjoy lunch in Manchester: Take time to socialise and share experiences with other attendees before the return journey.
- Ask questions along the way: Staff, volunteers and sighted guides will be on hand throughout the day.
- Build confidence for future travel: Gain practical experience and learn more about travelling independently by rail.
- No previous experience required: Whether you are new to train travel or looking to build confidence, everyone is welcome.
Eric, a Greater Manchester SLC member, is photographed using a help point at Wigan station
Book your place at
- Date: Wednesday, 4 November 2026.
- Time: 10am to 3.30pm
- Location: Liverpool Lime Street Station, Lime Street, Liverpool
- Meeting point: Passenger Assistance area, Liverpool Lime Street station
- Booking closes at 5pm on Monday 2 November
Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If the event reaches capacity, we will operate a waitlist.
If you require additional assistance booking your place, please email kelly.barton@pocklington.org.uk or Amy Atherton at healthandwellbeing@bradburyfields.org.uk.
Why attend?
Kelly Barton, Engagement Manager for North West England, said:
“I’m really pleased that Merseyside Sight Loss Council is working with Bradbury Fields and Community Rail to offer this Try a Train event.
“Being able to travel independently can make such a difference to people’s everyday lives, opening up opportunities to work, socialise and explore new places.
“We hope the day will give people the confidence to ask questions, get familiar with the journey and feel more able to use the railway in the future.”
Katie Douglas, Accessibility and Inclusion Officer for Lancashire Community Rail, said:
“It’s fantastic to be helping blind and partially sighted people gain experience and confidence using the railway. Supported journeys like this can make a real difference, giving people the chance to understand the station and train environment, ask questions and feel more prepared to travel independently in the future.”
Matt Cliff, Chief Executive Officer at Bradbury Fields, added:
“This is such a great opportunity for our blind and partially sighted community, to both ask questions of the experts, and to familiarise themselves with everything that train travel has to offer. Unfamiliar environments are often a barrier to those of us living with sight loss and we are so excited to be working with Merseyside Sight Loss Council and Community Rail on this event. I’m sure it will be a lot of fun on the day too.”
Members of the North West SLC team walk up a staircase in a railway station
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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