South West London SLC’s Wimbledon ‘Try a Train’ event

Thursday 19 June 10:15am - 1:15pm
Wimbledon Station, The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 7NL

Book your place for Wimbledon ‘Try a Train’ 

Are you blind or partially sighted, and want to increase your confidence to travel by train? Join South West London Sight Loss Council and Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) at their ‘Try a Train’ event on Thursday, 19 June 2025 at Wimbledon Station. 

At the event, you will get the opportunity to explore train travel in a safe and accessible environment. You will also:

• Discover the accessible features and services at Wimbledon Station, including the support available for blind and partially sighted passengers. 

• Learn about the assistance offered at stations and on the train, ensuring a smoother travel experience. 

• Take a short, guided train trip to Sutton Station, where you’ll have the chance to familiarise yourself with onboard facilities. 

• Participate in an informative question and answer session at Sutton Station with representatives from GTR, South Western Railway, and the Transport for London’s (TfL) Travel Mentor programme.  
• Return to Wimbledon Station after the session. 

This event is free and designed to help you feel more confident and informed when using train services.  

Book your place at South West London SLC’s ‘Try a Train’ event

• Location: Wimbledon Station, The Broadway, Wimbledon SW19 7NL
• Thursday, 19 June 2025, 10.15am – 1.15pm (book your place by 5pm, Wednesday, 18 June 2025)
• Meeting point: Main Gate Line Concourse, Main Entrance, Wimbledon Station

GTR Accessibility Engagement Manager Anthony Merlyn talking to attendees at Sutton Station

Book your place for Wimbledon ‘Try a Train’ 

Spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If the event reaches capacity, we will operate a wait list.  

Should you require additional assistance booking your place, please email liam.ocarroll@pocklington.org.uk or call 07970 231583. 

Nicki Guy, Senior Engagement Manager for South England, said: 

“We are delighted to partner with Govia Thameslink Railway to host these ‘Try a Train’ events in South West London. We value their support and commitment to making the network more accessible to blind and partially sighted people.  

“These events are an important opportunity for people to build confidence when navigating stations, meeting staff, and experiencing a live train journey — often for the first time. By keeping the groups deliberately small, we can make sure everyone gets the time, attention and reassurance they need to leave feeling better equipped to travel independently.” 

 Antony Merlyn, Accessibility Engagement Manager for GTR, said: 

 “Govia Thameslink Railway’s ‘Try a Train’ events are a proven way for disabled people to explore stations and experience rail travel in a safe and support way.  

 ”We recently hosted the first of two trips at Sutton station for blind and partially sighted passengers, in partnership with Thomas Pocklington Trust, South Western Railway and Transport for London Travel Mentoring Team. Attendees explored the station, met our team, and took a Thameslink journey between Sutton and Wimbledon.  

“Feedback was really positive and we look forward to our follow up event between Wimbledon and Sutton next month.” 

Book your place for Wimbledon ‘Try a Train’