Purbeck Community Rail Partnership (CRP) hosted a ‘Try the Train’ event with South Western Railway (SWR) to increase travel confidence among people with physical and learning disabilities.

The trip, from Weymouth and Dorchester South stations to Wareham, involved around 20 members from the Volunteer Centre Dorset and Muntsy’s Community Based Learning and Activity Centre.

Purbeck CRP and SWR staff supported the group to use ticket vending machines, locate help points, find out train time information and seek assistance on the platform.

Steven Booth, Purbeck CRP Officer, said: “We are always striving to identify and work with groups who may lack confidence to use the train, to alleviate barriers and make travel more accessible to more people.

“What really impressed me was the independence shown by each member of the group, as well as their enthusiasm and willingness to learn.”

Siobhan Davis, project coordinator for the Volunteer Centre Dorset, said: “I would like to say a huge thanks to all involved for making this happen. People with learning disabilities can be very anxious about travelling, especially on their own. To have people explain everything to us was amazing. It really was a fabulous day and thanks to all the SWR staff for making it run smoothly for us.”

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