Building confidence, creating opportunities and helping people discover the freedom of rail travel.
Thanks to funding from South Western Railway, South Wessex Community Rail was able to deliver a series of four Travel with Confidence trips for around 40 young adults from Diverse Abilities, based in Weymouth.
Led by our Community Rail Officer, Chantelle, the programme was designed to give participants the opportunity to experience travelling by train in a supportive and friendly environment – helping to remove barriers and build confidence in using public transport independently.
For many of the group, this was a completely new experience.Around 95% of participants had never travelled by train before.
Across four exciting trips, the group explored different destinations and experienced a range of activities:
Bournemouth – travelling by train to enjoy Barnum at the Bournemouth Pavilion.
Corfe Castle & Swanage Railway – using integrated transport, including a bus journey to and from the station, before enjoying the wonderful heritage experience of the Swanage Steam Railway and exploring Corfe Castle.
Southampton – visiting SeaCity Museum and discovering more about the city's maritime history.
Poole – enjoying a shopping trip and experiencing the independence and freedom that rail travel can provide.
The project also demonstrated how integrated transport can help make journeys more accessible. Participants experienced combining train travel with bus services, showing that a journey does not have to begin and end at a railway station.
Building confidence that lasts
The results were hugely encouraging. Following the programme,95% of participants said they felt more confident about using the train after taking part in the trips.
For some, it was their first train journey. For others, it was an opportunity to develop skills and confidence that can support greater independence in the future.
The Travel with Confidence programme shows what can happen when people are given the opportunity, encouragement and practical support to try something new.
We are proud to have helped open up new experiences and demonstrate that rail travel can be accessible, enjoyable and empowering for everyone.
Thank you to South Western Railway for funding the programme and to Diverse Abilities for helping us make these journeys possible.
Travel with confidence. Discover more. Go further.