The ‘Travelling with Confidence’ programme, grant-funded by the Motability Foundation, has been developed in light of evidence showing the large proportion of disabled people facing barriers using rail, and how these can be reduced. Research by Scope shows 54% of disabled people often or always feel anxious using public transport, and 30% say difficulties with public transport reduce their mobility.
Experience in community rail demonstrates the benefits that can be unlocked through empowering disabled people through meaningful engagement and change to break down barriers, opening up rail and connected sustainable modes of travel. Purbeck CRP is pleased to be part of this programme to encourage travel on public transport.
Purbeck Community Rail Partnership Travel with Confidence Trip to the Swanage Heritage Railway 1st June 2026
At the start of Community Rail Week and fittingly under the banner of Journeys for All, the partnership organised an outing from Weymouth to Swanage for members of the Muntsy’s Community Based Learning and Activities Men’s Group. The party consisted of 14 group members and support workers who are part of our travel with confidence programme. The group had various learning disabilities both mental and physical which meant integrated travel was a challenge.
This journey involved mainline train travel to Wareham, bus travel to Corfe Castle and then visit to the Swanage Heritage Railway (SR). The idea was to involve multi-modal travel integration following a timetable and planned itinerary. We had a SWR Community Ambassador to explain rail safety and what to look out for when traveling by rail and transiting through stations. When at Corfe they met the SR Learning & Community Engagement Manager who explained about safety on the heritage railway and what to expect travelling on a steam train with old railway carriages. They had the chance to ask for their own ticket with some reluctance at first and then they all followed suit. We encouraged group members to ask questions which promoted interaction and conversations. They had a tour of the railway museum at Corfe before travelling to Swanage to visit the beach.
Some of the group members had travelled by rail before while others had not and there was an opportunity to promote independent travel to those comfortable with the idea while others could travel with a buddy of carer. It was great to see the enthusiasm, the interaction and how much they enjoyed the day. This was also demonstrated by the amount of smiling and happiness shown throughout the day.
