Blind and partially sighted people invited to ‘Try a Train' in Preston to build travel confidence
Blind and partially sighted people are being invited to take part in a special train journey event in Preston to help boost confidence and independence when travelling by train.
The 'Try a Train' event, organised by Lancashire Sight Loss Council (SLC), will be held at Preston Rail Station on Thursday, 5 June.
The free-event aims to provide an accessible and supportive environment for passengers to familiarise themselves with station layouts, board a train, and experience a return journey to Lytham St Anne's.
The event is being run by and for blind and partially sighted people, with sighted guides and trained staff on hand throughout to offer assistance.
It forms part of a wider push to make public transport more inclusive and to mark 200 years since the birth of the modern railway.
Steph Syson, a volunteer with Lancashire Sight Loss Council, said: 'The thought of going on a train journey when you are blind or partially sighted can be such a daunting prospect, and often the anxiety of it all will prevent many from travelling.
"This event will be great for people who are apprehensive. I'm especially looking forward to familiarising myself with the layout of the train – it will really help with the anxiety I sometimes feel around travel.'
The day is being delivered in partnership with Community Rail Lancashire and supported by Thomas Pocklington Trust, which funds Sight Loss Councils across the UK.
Katie Douglas, Accessibility and Inclusion Officer at Community Rail Lancashire, said: 'Try the Train is a fully funded programme designed to help people travel more independently.
"We've supported over 300 people across the Northern network so far, and we're really pleased to be working with Sight Loss Councils this year to offer even more inclusive opportunities.'
Passengers will meet at Preston Station at 10am and return around 3.30pm.
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