In partnership with South Western Railway (SWR), a Southampton charity is working to make rail travel more accessible for young people with disabilities.

The Rose Road Association provides direct care services for over 300 children and young adults with severe physical disabilities, learning difficulties, and/or autism. These services include respite breaks, community outreach, holiday activities and advice.

In 2020 SWR teamed up with Rose Road through their Customer and Community Improvement Fund to deliver ‘All Aboard’, a two-year, £120K project which would answer a growing demand for travel opportunities for young people with severe or multiple disabilities.

Steve Swift, Rose Road’s CEO said:

“Rose Road are very grateful to SWR for their support – as well as their patience and willingness to be flexible when we had to adapt our project to allow us to make progress during the pandemic.”

Veronika Krcalova, SWR’s Customer and Communities Improvement Fund Manager, added:

“Our partnership is a great opportunity to engage with young people with severe disabilities and show them how the railway can be more accessible to them.”