All aboard!

The Mobility Team recently took a group of students on a train journey from Hereford to Worcester. For many it was their first time experiencing the hustle and bustle of a train station and the excitement of train travel.

Pictured (L-R): Rahel, Jacob, Jakub, Matteo, Logan and Katie standing on a platform at Hereford train station holding their train tickets

From navigating the busy Hereford station to listening to train announcements, our students gained valuable independence skills when learning how to board and disembark the train. Everyone had a fantastic time exploring the new environment.

In Worcester everyone enjoyed lunch together before taking the return journey.

A spokesperson from West Midlands Railway said:  

'We recently welcomed a group of visually impaired students from the Royal National College for the Blind on board, as part of an independent travel training initiative which aims to increase confidence and autonomy for their students when travelling by public transport.

'They covered many different areas of independent rail travel including journey planning, boarding and alighting, familiarity with onboard facilities, as well as support and information available before, during and after a journey.

'The session was a success and we are actively looking at how we can continue working with the College to support students with development initiatives and to gain broader life skills.

'We're committed to supporting the communities we serve to ensure travelling by train is accessible to all.'

We're so proud of our students for stepping outside their comfort zones and embracing this new experience which, with a little more practice, will give them the confidence to travel independently in the future.

For more photos of the trip click here.