Berkshire Vision’s “Try a Train” initiative is designed to provide a safe environment for visually impaired children and young people to learn about navigating train stations and using Passenger Assist. These events play a crucial role in building confidence in using trains, especially as these young individuals transition from secondary education to adulthood.
During the “Try a Train” events, participants learn about various aspects of the railway, such as the time it takes for a train to brake and where to seek help while on board. They also get the opportunity to touch items like rails, guards’ paddle boards and high visibility vests.
Participants are taken on a tour of Reading station, where they gain practical knowledge about ticketing, booking Passenger Assist, safety measures, and station navigation. Finally, with the help of Passenger Assist they go on a short return train journey.
We were delighted to hear that a couple of weeks ago Berkshire Vision teenager Tom, travelled independently on the train from Reading to Wolverhampton and back to stay with his friend for the weekend!
Tom booked the special assistance he had found out about in the Berkshire Vision Try a Train sessions. He says the sessions “gave him the confidence to make the solo journey.”
“ I was rather nervous at the start, as it was a longer train journey than the try a train events but I was looking forward to seeing my friend for the weekend. I’m sure I could now do the journey again and I had the best time.”
He had a fantastic weekend and Tom and his family are so grateful for the support Tom had in learning about train travel.
We can’t wait to see where to travel to next Tom.
If you would like to find out more about our Try a Train and New Try a Bus sessions that we run in partnership with Southeast Communities Rail Partnership and Great Western Railways please get in touch with Carol on 0118 987 2803.
