Try the Train with Lancashire Sight Loss Council, Galloways and Community Rail Lancashire
Tuesday 18 November 9:45am - 3:00pm
Accrington station, Eagle Street, Accrington, Lancashire, BB5 1LJ
Have you ever wanted to feel more confident travelling by train?
Join Lancashire Sight Loss Council, Galloways, and Community Rail Lancashire for a friendly Try the Train event designed especially for blind and partially sighted people.
You’ll meet at Accrington Station at 9:45am, on Tuesday 18 November, where you’ll be supported by sighted guides and volunteers as we travel together to Preston.
From there, we’ll head over to Galloways in Penwortham to enjoy light refreshments, the chance to socialise, and even take part in a game of showdown or boccia (two fun and accessible sports) for those who would like to join in.
We’ll then make the return journey to Accrington, arriving back by 3pm.
Try a Train attendee getting off a train using a ramp, assisted by a sighted guide.
Kelly Barton, Engagement Manager for Sight Loss Councils in the North West, said:
“We’re really pleased to be hosting this event with Galloways. It’s important that we all work together to help blind and partially sighted people increase their confidence with train travel. We understand the barriers people face, and we really want to change this.”
Shahiesta Raja, Education Development Officer at Community Rail Lancashire, added:
“I went to Lancashire Sight Loss Council’s vision awareness session a few months ago and found it to be a really valuable experience. It really taught me a lot. I hadn’t realised some of the issues that blind and partially sighted people can face, that most of us take for granted.”
Steph Syson, Volunteer with Lancashire Sight Loss Council, said:
“Improving confidence in train travel can open up so many opportunities for visually impaired people. Whether it’s getting to work, meeting friends, taking part in sport, or going on holiday – train travel is key to independence. As visually impaired people rely so much on public transport, feeling confident throughout the journey makes such a difference.”
Lynne Rennison, also a Volunteer with Lancashire Sight Loss Council, said:
“Being able to visit friends and family in other areas of the country is vital to the mental wellbeing of a person with sight loss. Getting from A to B safely, and knowing your train provider will assist you with your travel needs, really promotes confidence, security, and independence.”
Andrew Coleman, Learning, Skills and Lifestyles Manager for Galloways, added:
“At Galloways, we know how important it is to break down barriers to independent travel. By using the route between two of our sites in Accrington and Preston, we’re showing just how accessible public transport can be. It’s great that we’re doing this as a group, so no one feels alone – we can build confidence together and support each other along the way. Working with the Sight Loss Council, we’re helping more blind and partially sighted people travel independently and get involved in Showdown, Boccia and other Galloways activities.”
This free event is a great way to experience train travel in a relaxed, supportive setting, meet new people, and pick up tips for travelling independently.
To book your place please, register online. Alternatively, you can call Kelly Barton on 07508 958938 or call Galloways on 01772 744148.
Sight Loss Council members and blind and partially sighted attendees at a previous Try a Train event.
This event is delivered in partnership with Galloways and Community Rail Lancashire.
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