Advanced preview of new resources to make train travel more accessible for blind and partially sighted people
This spring, Sight Loss Councils (SLCs) in London, the South-East and East of England invite blind and partially sighted (BPS) people to their second ‘Coffee and Chat’ events with Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR). These events will also give an advanced preview of our new, free resources designed to help you navigate your train journeys more easily.
Book your place at one of our events
Our free coffee and chat events will be held at six railway stations across Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire, Sussex and central London. Sight Loss Councils members have created these resources – including audio maps and onboard descriptions – using their lived experience of rail travel as blind and partially sighted passengers. This is as part of their GTR funded ‘Your Station, Your Community’ project.
Sutton Vision Rep, Perrie, using his white cane and the AIRA app on his smartphone to navigate a train station
Our events will include:
- a taster of our new audio map which gives you an overview of the station and its layout
- an excerpt of our new onboard descriptions which explain the layout of various train models
- tips from blind and partially sighted people on how to make the most of these free guides
- a chance to feedback and tell us what you think about our resources
- the opportunity to feedback other ways your journeys could be improved
- the chance to ask questions and get advice from frequent travellers.
Engagement Manager Sam (second from right) with her guide dog Lizzie and GTR staff members at a ‘Coffee and Chat’ event at Luton Airport Parkway with the SLC banner behind them
We hope you can join us.
Book your place at one of our events
Sussex SLC member Iris Keppler using the AIRA app to navigate around Brighton train station.
Sight Loss Council Engagement Manager, Dave Smith, said:
“Sight Loss Councils and GTR look forward to continuing our work on the ‘Your Station, Your Community’ project. We are excited to repeat these events this spring, with even more opportunities and improvements in store.
“Our partnership continues to go from strength to strength, working together to make trains accessible for blind and partially sighted people. We hope our new resources will bring great benefit to blind and partially sighted passengers and look forward to providing a taster of our resources at the events.”
Publication date: 11 April 2025