“Try a train” event set to support Preston’s visually impaired with train journeys

A Railway 200 event run by and for the visually impaired community has been created. The event, set to be held on Thursday 5 June at Preston railway station, is to encourage […]

mingooland May 29, 2025

2 min read

Female attendee from Avanti Community Rail wearing sim-specs being guided by another female attendee. Sight Loss Council Engagement Manager Kelly Barton is walking alongside.

A Railway 200 event run by and for the visually impaired community has been created.

The event, set to be held on Thursday 5 June at Preston railway station, is to encourage more blind and partially sighted people to travel by train.

Hosted by Lancashire Sight Loss Council and funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust, the regional group work with organisations to make their work more inclusive.

The “Try a Train” event will give the residents the opportunity to try a rail journey to Lytham St Annes and back, without charge in an attempt to grow their confidence.

Residents will have the chance to navigate their local station, board a train and familiarise themselves with the layout of the station and tasks leading up to the journey.

Six people standing on a railway platform at Preston train station, including members of Avanti West Coast and Community Rail Lancashire. A smartly dressed staff member stands at the front of the group wearing sim specs - special glasses which simulate various eye conditions. This is part of a vision awareness session run by the SLC to raise awareness of what it means to be a blind or partially sighted passenger amongst staff. — Six people standing on a railway platform at Preston train station, including members of Avanti West Coast and Community Rail Lancashire. A smartly dressed staff member stands at the front of the group wearing sim specs – special glasses which simulate various eye conditions. This is part of a vision awareness session run by the SLC to raise awareness of what it means to be a blind or partially sighted passenger amongst staff.

Kelly Barton, Sight Loss Councils Engagement Manager for the North West, said: “We know that there are still so many people who are reluctant to get on a train, because of a lack of confidence and sometimes accessibility.

“We hope this event will help people feel more confident and empowered to travel by train in the future.”

“There will be plenty of help available on the day for anyone who comes along.”

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