Sixth Form students Sonali, Mustafa and Eben took a trip to London Paddington to practise and refine their Mobility skills.

With an early start on a Saturday morning, students along with the NCW Mobility department made their way to Worcestershire Parkway train station where they would catch the train to London Paddington. Students had booked rail staff assistance in advance for their departure!  

Prior to the trip, a member of staff from Great Western Railway (GWR) visited NCW to provide support and advice on preparing for a train journey and using GWR services. This session proved very useful for when students came to travel on the day!

Upon arrival at London Paddington, the group were met by rail staff and travelled by buggy to the passenger assistance area within the station.
Student explored the environment around the station looking at ‘landmarks’ and ‘sensory clues’ to assist with orientation.

They then travelled to the entrance of the London underground to speak with staff and learn how the underground can be accessed by someone who is vision impaired, and what assistance is available.

Eben said: “I did learn about the accessibility that they provide for the underground at the station.”

And of course – a trip to London Paddington wouldn’t be complete without a photo with Paddington Bear! 

Thank you to the generosity of GWR for donating train tickets, as well as a member of staff kindly taking the time to visit NCW.

Also thanks to staff at both London Paddington station and the London Underground. 

Sonali said: “I enjoyed the London trip because I got a chance to learn my way around Paddington station and what it looks like. I also got a chance to talk to the underground staff which I had never done before.”