Essex Travel Trainers, commissioned by Suffolk County Council, held a ‘Try a Train’ event for young people and adults with special educational needs and disabilities at Ipswich train station.
This event created an environment where everyone felt included - they were shown how to buy a ticket, use the ticket barrier, and how to stay safe at a train station. Travel Trainers also guided the students through booking assistance and how to find customer service.
The purpose of the event was to help alleviate some of the fears and challenges that the group voiced around using public transport. The experience helped to develop confidence in their listening and speaking skills, such as listening to announcements, speaking to a ticket conductor, and knowing who to ask for help. The return journey to Felixstowe, gave them the opportunity to walk around the town and visit various places to purchase refreshments. Students commented, ‘how interesting it was’ and ‘how safe they were made to feel’.
Theresa Salmon, Travel Training manager for Suffolk, said:
“We are very grateful to the East Suffolk Lines Community Rail Partnership and Greater Anglia for supporting this event and to all Greater Anglia staff who were involved. We would also like to thank Suffolk County Council for commissioning the service for its residents.”
Figures show that since the scheme started it has enabled over 700 young people and adults in Suffolk to become independent travellers.
To apply for Travel Training, which is delivered on a one-to-one basis, please contact us at www.travel-training.co.uk.
