Sussex makes trains accessible to all

Sussex Community Rail Partnership (SCRP) is working with Culture Shift, a community interest company that creates relationships between the creative and cultural sector and the community, business and education partners, to make trains more accessible.

Their joint project, ‘Get Into Trains’ combines train travel training and arts workshop, and the first was recently held at Lewes station. It was funded by ACoRP, Culture Shift and Tesco Bags for Life.

The project aims to give adults with learning disabilities more confidence in travelling by train with an added creative element. Using the fantastic architecture at Grade II Listed Lewes Station, participants looked at the beautiful shapes around the station and created their own rail network in wool.

SCRP Line Officer Catherine Simmons and artist Anne Colvin are looking forward to the more events at Seaford and Eastbourne.

Catherine said: “It was great to work with Anne on this fantastic project. We had a warm welcome from station staff on a rather chilly day. My favourite quote came from one of our participants Neil, who said, ‘the trouble with this country today is there are too many cars, everybody should go by train’.”

SCRP Director Tim Sparrow, who assisted at the event, said: “For those of us who have been travelling by train all our lives it holds no fears but if you haven’t had that opportunity it can be very daunting. This project linking art with an understanding of the railway was an excellent experience for everyone involved. Station staff took questions in their stride and gave confidence to participants to ask for help when next they wanted to go by train, their help and support was invaluable.”

Culture Shift Director, Julia Roberts said: “Get Into Trains is a brand new partnership project with Sussex Community Rail Partnership. It lets adults with learning disabilities and their carers to travel by train, learn about the rich history of our railways and create artwork that is inspired by their experiences.  Travel can be a huge barrier for those with disabilities but it is also a great fascination.  We are delighted that this project is proving so popular and enabling people to build their skills and confidence in using public transport through creative learning and experience.  We are very much hoping that with more support we will be able to continue this work throughout Sussex.”

Photo credit: ACoRP

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