Southeast Communities Rail Partnership’s ‘Travel Ambassadors’ programme was developed to support disabled people to become more confident and independent using public transport to access heritage sites and outdoor spaces.

Co-designed with Optalis staff, the programme placed the ambassadors – five individuals with diverse disabilities – at the heart of decision-making. Through a series of bi-weekly meetings, the ambassadors planned and undertook three trips, travelling by train to locations across the Great Western Railway network. Each journey incorporated an activity, and together the group assessed accessibility across every stage of the journey – from station access and boarding trains, to navigating signage, engaging with staff, and accessing the attractions.

Their findings were captured and transformed into a ‘how to’ guide, which documented the ambassadors’ journeys in their own words, alongside challenges experienced and potential solutions. The guide serves as an authentic, accessible reference point for other disabled people seeking advice, inspiration and reassurance when planning journeys, from peers who understand those challenges first-hand.

Feedback from the project highlighted that it provided an accessible environment for the ambassadors to build confidence and foster new skills, and it has created ripple effects of empowerment that extended far beyond the journeys themselves. For transport providers, tourism attractions and other stakeholders, the programme has provided practical insights into the daily experiences of disabled passengers, raising awareness of the barriers faced and how they can be addressed, creating future opportunities around developing a more inclusive vision for public transport.

The ‘Exploring LGBTQIA+ Gloucestershire’ project set out to empower Gloucestershire’s LGBTQIA+ community by amplifying diverse voices, addressing barriers to public transport, and documenting and celebrating local queer history.

Members of local LGBTQIA+ groups led, informed and shaped every stage of the process. Alongside Great Western Railway and Pride in Gloucestershire, Gloucestershire CRP collaborated with Gloucestershire Archives to uncover LGBTQIA+ histories, from 18th-century court records to contemporary Pride events. Through a community-led approach that involved interactive mapping, travel surveys and one-to-one conversations, the partnership collected over 67 significant personal stories and travel insights. These insights were compiled into the Gloucestershire Queer History Map and Travel Needs Report. These resources linked local queer history to rail travel and significant locations, highlighting both the vibrancy and the challenges of LGBTQIA+ life in the semi-rural county – from the joy of community connection to the realities of discrimination and isolation.

The culmination was a vibrant exhibition at Cheltenham Station to celebrate Pride Month, where the personal narratives were made visible in a prominent, everyday travel space. The resources have since been archived at Gloucestershire Heritage Hub. By preserving the stories for future generations, and ensuring ongoing access for researchers and the community, it is hoped that LGBTQIA+ voices will inform future transport planning, in turn contributing to a more connected and inclusive future for rail travel in Gloucestershire.

For over twenty years, Fran Shelley has been delivering a pioneering ‘back to work’ programme to support vulnerable women, many of whom are out of employment and experience anxiety and low self-esteem. Her vision was to create a safe, supportive course combining employability skills with confidence-building activities. That vision endured, and in 2017, Fran began working with colleague Helen Blake and the Isle of Wight CRP to develop the programme even further.

The free 12-week ‘Suit Yourself’ course blends personal development with practical skills, empowering each woman to rediscover her strengths and achieve her potential. Hosting sessions in railway stations and nearby venues, with train and bus passes provided by transport partners, simultaneously encourages participants to gain confidence in using public transport.

Curriculum elements include communication skills, tailored CV writing and mock interviews led by South Western Railway staff, providing valuable real-world experience. The course also features visits to the Isle of Wight College, where participants can explore further training, education and career pathways. The programme culminates in a celebratory meal where certificates are presented and participants’ achievements recognised.

Over the last six years, more than 200 women have completed the course. Lifelong friendships and peer support networks have been formed, and many women have gone on to secure employment, enter adult education, take on volunteering roles, or start their own businesses. ‘Suit Yourself’ has demonstrated the power of investing in and empowering communities, supporting more people to rediscover their worth, their voice, and the opportunities available to them.