At the start of Community Rail Week – and fittingly under the banner of ‘Journeys for All’ – Purbeck Community Rail Partnership organised an outing from Weymouth to Swanage for members of the Muntsy’s Community Based Learning and Activities Men’s Group.

Muntsy’s offers a day service for adults with additional support needs or learning disabilities who wish to develop their independence.

The party consisted of 14 group members and support workers who are part of the partnership’s ‘travel with confidence’ programme.

The journey involved mainline train travel to Wareham, bus travel to Corfe Castle and then a visit to the Swanage Heritage Railway. The idea was to involve multi-modal travel integration following a timetable and planned itinerary.

On the journey, a South Western Railway community ambassador talked with the group, explaining important aspects of rail safety and what to look out for when traveling by rail and transiting through stations.

The group also heard from Swanage Heritage Railway’s learning and community engagement manager, who explained about safety on the heritage railway and what to expect travelling on a steam train with old railway carriages. Participants had the chance to ask for their own ticket and were encouraged to ask questions which promoted interaction and conversations.

Steven Booth, Purbeck CRP officer, said: “Some of the group members had travelled by rail before, while others had not, so there was an opportunity to promote independent travel to those comfortable with the idea, whilst others could travel with a buddy of carer.

“It was great to see the enthusiasm, the interaction and how much the group enjoyed the day.”

Keep up to date with future news, projects and events from Purbeck CRP via their website.

Learn more about South Western Railway’s work in the community here.