The Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company has been working with Dementia Forward, Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line (FoSCL) and thred to create a survey to understand the access requirements of local communities.
As part of an ongoing project to become Dementia Aware, staff from the Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company and volunteers from the Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line, local groups and businesses have been taking part in training sessions to learn more about dementia. Following this, a survey was launched on 1 February to gather information on a wide scope of accessibility needs for people with visible and hidden disabilities, including autism, dementia, anxiety and other mental health conditions.
Katie Chesworth, Projects Manager at the Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company, said: “We are really proud to be working to improve our understanding of accessibility needs of the passengers who travel along the Settle-Carlisle Railway. We are always looking for ways to connect more with our communities along the line, improve the social value of our community projects and work with groups to grow confidence when travelling by rail.”
Allison Cosgrove, Chair of FoSCL, said: “Public transport can be essential for those living with dementia, but the condition can cause extra anxiety about everyday travel issues. FoSCL is pleased to work with Dementia Forward, so we are able to understand how better to support those in our community and encourage them to use the railway.”
Debby Lennox, Community Liaison Manager at Dementia Forward, said: “With over 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK, it is essential that we increase understanding in communities and provide support so that people can continue to use public transport, access the places they enjoy and live the lives they want.
“It’s fantastic that the Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company are gathering the views of people affected by dementia, and we hope that this survey reaches as many people as possible, so we can really make a difference.”
You can access the survey online here, as well as on the Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company’s website.
