Students from Dunstable-based Central Bedfordshire College were the first group to enjoy Thameslink ‘Try a Train’ event in more than two years as Covid restrictions saw the sessions suspended during 2020.

The ‘Try a Train’ events are designed to bring confidence to young people who are daunted by the prospect of travel. The events provide a visit to the train station and a train ride with advice on how to travel safely in a bid to encourage the students to use trains more independently.

Thameslink got the ‘Try a Train’ events back in action in time to support this year’s World Autism Awareness Day on Saturday the 2nd of April 2022.

The students attending the event were ages between 16 and 20 years old and enjoyed the day with Luton Airport Parkway Station Manager Joe Healy. Joe showed the students around the station and they then enjoyed a return trip to London St Pancras which was just over half an hour in each direction. During the trip, Joe gave out some practical tips on how to plan for train travel, how to buy and use tickets and how to travel safely and confidently.

Previous to the pandemic, Joe would usually organise around five ‘Try a Train’ trips each year and had hosted more than 100 students from Bedfordshire based colleges alongside other participants put forward by the Autism Bedfordshire charity.

Joe said:

“It’s so great to be back doing Try a Train events again. Most of the Dunstable students hadn’t been on a train in over two years, or as far as London by any means, so there were some nerves, but a lot of excitement. And it’s the first time since before the pandemic that I’ve taken a Try a Train group, so I was excited too.

“I can’t tell you how proud I am to meet these young people and take part in these events with them. I was privileged I could take them out for the day and it’s brilliant just to see the smiles on their faces. With the confidence they get in travelling independently by rail, they can enjoy more opportunities in their lives.”

Claire Andrews, Tutor at Central Bedfordshire College, said:

“Over the past six years Joe Healey has been so supportive and accommodating to arrange several Try a Train events for Central Bedfordshire College Pathways students. The trips are so powerful as they give students an opportunity that some wouldn’t usually get, especially when we have limited funds to go on lots of trips.

“It’s such a relaxed and enjoyable day, not only fun but also educational as students are allowed to experience travelling on the train in a real-life situation where they learn so much. The students thoroughly enjoyed their recent visit – they’d spent weeks looking forward to it as it’s always such a special event.

“I just want to thank the staff so much on behalf of myself and all of the students that have taken such benefit from Try a Train over the years.”

Claire went on to highlight one student’s experience:

“One of the students has a special interest in trains so this was even more exciting for him. One of his dreams and aspirations was to do a real-life train announcement at the station. Joe very kindly allowed him to do a few announcements, which he thoroughly enjoyed. He said that ‘It was the best day ever’. We videoed this for him to watch afterwards and show his family who found it very emotional as it was such a proud moment for them all.”

Autism Bedfordshire is an autism based charity and has been an official partner of Luton Airport Parkway station since early in 2020. The charity also has a great relationship with Thameslink station managers Joe Healy and Bernie Lee who are looking forward to hosting more ‘Try a Train’ events now that Covid restrictions allow them to.

Thameslink is continuing to treat their trains frequently with a viricide that offers long-lasting protection against Covid.