A team of volunteers at Hindley railway station helping people with additional needs travel with confidence and reducing social isolation in the community have been recognised during Volunteers’ Week.

Representatives from Community Rail Network visited Hindley station on Wednesday (3 June) to celebrate the work of the Friends of Hindley Station and the positive impact they are having on local people across Greater Manchester.

Working alongside South East Lancashire Community Rail Partnership, Northern, Transport for Greater Manchester and local organisations, the volunteer-led group is helping make rail travel more welcoming, accessible and inclusive. Their efforts reflect a wider movement across Britain, with around half of all railway stations now supported by community rail station volunteer groups.

During the visit, guests learned about the Friends’ partnership with Thrive CIC, which supports people with additional needs, and heard how volunteers are helping more people access the opportunities rail travel provides while building confidence and community connections.

Guests also saw major accessibility improvements underway at the station through Network Rail’s multi-million-pound Access for All scheme, which will provide lifts and step-free access for passengers.

The visit formed part of Community Rail Week (1-7 June), a national celebration organised by Community Rail Network and sponsored by Rail Delivery Group. This year’s theme, Journeys for All, highlights the role of community rail partnerships and station volunteers in breaking down barriers to travel and ensuring the railway is accessible to everyone.

Jools Townsend, chief executive of Community Rail Network, said: “Community Rail Week celebrates the people who make our railways more welcoming, inclusive and connected to the communities they serve, and the volunteers at Hindley station are a fantastic example of that work in action.

“Through their dedication, they’re helping people build confidence, reduce loneliness and feel more connected to both their railway and their community. Their partnership work, including supporting people with additional needs, demonstrates how community rail can make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Friends of Hindley Station volunteer Sheila Davidson, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be hosting this event as part of Community Rail Week and to showcase the positive impact our volunteers have within the community. As a volunteer-led group, we work closely with partners and fellow volunteers across Greater Manchester and beyond, sharing ideas, offering support and encouraging more people to get involved. By working together, we can continue to make our railway more welcoming, inclusive and connected for everyone.”

Rail Delivery Group director of industry operations, Dan Mann, said: “Improving accessibility across the rail network is essential to making sure everyone can travel independently, confidently and safely. We are proud to support Community Rail Week and celebrate the inspiring work of community rail partnerships, station volunteers and local organisations who are helping to break down barriers and create journeys for all.

“As the railway continues to change, this year’s theme highlights the importance of building a more accessible, inclusive and sustainable railway that serves every community.”

For more information about Community Rail Week 2026 and events taking place across Britain, visit communityrail.org.uk.

Header photo shows representatives from Community Rail Network, Northern and South East Lancashire CRP attending a community rail showcase event hosted by the Friends of Hindley Station.