A new initiative is being rolled out at Launchpad 135 to empower our clients to confidently use train travel to live more independently, expand their social network and improve their work opportunities. The team at our work and life skills centre partnered with Lucy from Basingstoke to Reading Community Rail Partnership to run three sessions with the aim of enabling clients to successfully travel outside of the area.
At the first session, the group planned a journey, looked at maps and timetables, both on paper and online. They also talked about the train station, safety issues and what resources are available, for example buying tickets, who you can seek advice and /or support from, why it’s important to keep behind the yellow line, how to book assistance if needed and general train etiquette.
During the second session, the group visited Reading train station where clients used the ticket and information machines, looked on the platform boards, chatted with staff about their job roles and identified staff during a full tour of the station.
The third session is this week and the clients decided that they would like to visit Pangbourne and go for a walk along the river there. Lucy is providing tickets for the clients and staff.
Sian Walsh, Team Leader at Launchpad 135 said: “This is the first time we have run a session like this. Lucy contacted us directly to explain her job role and the kind of support that she could offer our clients. We jumped at the opportunity, invited her in for a tour of Launchpad 135 and started planning.
“During our careers support and work-ready sessions, some clients mentioned that they had a small search radius when looking for jobs because they hadn’t thought about transport and commuting, or felt confident enough to consider it. Other clients told us that they have friends and family who live in different areas and having the confidence to travel by train could expand their social network and give them an opportunity to get out of Reading to enjoy the wider area.
“Although some clients were initially quite nervous about the thought of going on a train, Lucy is very knowledgeable and was able to settle their nerves. They even learned about how different rail cards can be used to get discounts and how to get the best deal on tickets via the ticket desk as staff have access to lots of information! We can’t wait to see how our clients use their newfound independence.”