Crewe to Manchester Community Rail Partnership and Foundation 92, a Salford-based charity helping community groups through engagement, held an external session of their Youth Voice project funded by CrossCountry.
Stockport College students with additional needs took a trip to Stockport railway station to learn more about how to travel safely by train.
Beginning in the classroom, they focussed on safety and how to act when on a station, followed with a bus journey to the station to meet staff from CrossCountry and Avanti West Coast. Here they learnt about the importance of tickets, how to buy them, railcards, who to ask for help if needed, and how to locate their train. In addition, topics such as personal safety and keeping belongings safe were discussed.
The young people asked the staff plenty of questions and expressed their opinions in a variety of ways, including reflection cards and healthy debates.
Cat, a College Tutor, said “The sessions facilitated by Foundation 92 have been extremely welcome within the college. It’s essential that young people, regardless of their ability, have their voices heard, and Foundation 92 do this in a safe, inclusive and structured way. The young people really enjoyed the lessons they have learned, as well as the ability to raise their concerns or opinions with trusted adults who can help influence positive change”.
One student said “I liked today because I use the train a lot with my nana, so now I will be able to help more and keep people safe”.
The students will continue their sessions into the summer and are planning another visit to the station to expand their knowledge. Work has begun on a video of their experiences with a presentation to be held at the end of the programme.