A short film has been made with the British Transport Police and Virgin Trains East Coast about dementia friendly railways including some of the work done here in York.  The link to the video is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgUHuAr2QQQ   

The aims of making the video is for Dementia groups:

• To show that travelling by train is an alternative to the car

• That by using the train and asking for help and support in advance of travel can make a much more enjoyable journey.

• By using Passenger Assistance if needed can take the stress out of any train delays which may occur.

• To realise there is an option of going out for the day.  For example a museum or to the seaside to eat fish & chips, and eat an ice-cream next to the beach.

• To go out in a group for the day by train.

• To visit friends and family by train.

It can also be used to show other companies/organisations to make them think about what they can do to make a difference.

York station, which is managed by Virgin Trains, was the first in the UK to be awarded ‘Dementia Friendly’ status in 2014. Durham and Darlington stations also achieved Dementia Friendly status in October this year, and Newcastle station is currently working towards the recognition. Work to extend this accreditation to all stations in the UK is currently ongoing.

Special workshops to support passengers with dementia are being rolled out to rail staff and officers across the North East in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society, BTP and the North East Dementia Action Alliance.

Passengers will be able to recognise staff and officers who have undergone the training by the blue Dementia Friends logo pin badge worn as part of their uniform.

(Information provided by futureyears.org.uk)