The Project was designed to be a pilot to be conducted across 5 trips. To take 5 different cohorts on an educational train trip as part of Aspens Travelability / Employability program. It was also to build confidence of those supported adults on the trips but also that of the support workers accompanying on the trip.
The days would comprise of not only a practical, fun day on the railway network but also introduce the concept of planning a trip, buying a ticket, navigating the stations safely and knowing where to get help or assistance if needed.
We conducted 5 trips with varying sized groups, from 1-2-1 sessions to a larger group of up to 7 individuals. Two trips were conducted from Hastings Station to Battle (return), two trips from Tunbridge Wells to Hastings and Battle (return) and a further trip from West St Leonards to Hastings (return).
As well as the train journey the individuals took part in a practical workshop, seeking assistance through the platform information points, simulating the purchase of the ticket, navigating the gateline barriers, waiting safely behind the yellow line and boarding the train. Once on board they interacted with the On Board Supervisor to check tickets. They also took part in the “Becky’s journey” card exercise where they retraced the journey by placing interactive cards in the right order.
Five trips and workshops were conducted over the pilot period, 18 supported adults took part in the trip with 17 support workers.
Interaction with numerous SER Staff who engaged with the attendees and showed them some inside operations including the despatching of a train.
Funding was via Aspens who were successful in gaining the CCIF grant from Southeastern railways. The SCRP associated costs were 9 hours per day at £35 per hour, one day prep and one practical. £315 per day. Times 10 = £3,150.
“The variety of activities, from buying tickets and learning about the information call at the station to solving puzzles and finishing with fish and chips, made it both fun and educational. Everything was perfect, and there’s nothing we would change”,
“Can I go again”
“ I had assistance on the train and now have more confidence”