Makaton signage installed in Cumbrian train stations
Information panels with Makaton symbols that promote walks, trails, cycle routes, nature reserves and heritage attractions have come to six stations in Cumbria.
Last updated 22nd Apr 2024
The information panels have been installed at Corkickle, Dalston, Harrington, Seascale, St Bees and Wigton stations.
The project, which is called ‘Beyond the Home’, is a collaboration between Northern, Community Rail Cumbria, West House, Carlisle Day Services and Allerdale & Copeland Day Opportunities.
Makaton is a unique language programme that uses symbols, signs and speech to enable people with disabilities to communicate.
It is used by over 100,000 children and adults in the UK as their main method of communication or as a way to support speech.
Alex Jordan is a Makaton user, she said: "It's a method of communication that I've used all my life. When places incorporate this it gives me freedom to move about the country and feel included and that there's people that actually want to communicate with me.
"It offers me a sense of safety as well as a sense of freedom.
"I can join in with things a lot better and actually enjoy life rather than just watching other people enjoy it.
"I actively look for places that use Makaton when I'm planning a day-trip or holiday because for me it builds confidence in me and confidence in that place.
"Even just if people know simple signs like 'hello how are you', it makes you feel welcome, it makes you feel safe and it offers you that familiarity.
"It just means I have a lot more freedom in where I can go."
Craig Harrop, regional director for Northern, said: "We believe that train travel should be easy for everyone – but it is important that we continue to provide that support once customers step off the train.
"By collaborating on projects like ‘Beyond the Home’, we’re helping to increase active and accessible travel along the Cumbrian Coast Line."
Warren Birch, Community Rail Partnership officer, said: "It was wonderful working with the different organisations and particularly the people who access the services who are the real stars of the 'Beyond the Home' project.
"To see their initial ideas develop into the end products was inspiring, as was the positive change in people’s self-esteem and confidence.
"Community Rail Cumbria hope that people will travel by train to visit hidden gem destinations all along the West Cumbrian coast."