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Innovate Trust’s One Planet project is making waves in the fight against climate change, but with a unique twist. The project empowers adults with learning disabilities to become active participants in environmental solutions through community engagement and practical training.
The project provides many volunteering and training opportunities for individuals to learn what climate change is and to make behavioural changes that will benefit the planet.
One Planet is focusing on eco gardening, saving energy, the circular economy, and eco travel.
Innovate Trust’s One Planet project has been working with Transport For Wales to provide educational visits to improve individual’s understanding of the rail network.
Many adults with learning disabilities have not used trains before and benefit from tailored support around this.
Using public transport improves independence. It also means there are less cars on the road and less emissions polluting the atmosphere.
Meeting Transport for Wales
In April, a group from the One Planet project met with Geraint and Clare, Transport for Wales’s Community Rail Manager and Community Rail Ambassador, at Cardiff Central Station.
The session aimed to:
- Increase confidence navigating train stations.
- Equip participants with the skills to travel independently to and from Barry Island.
Sunflower lanyards and orange wallets
Sunflower lanyards are worn in public places to let people know that you may benefit from some extra support.
The orange wallets can be used when you’re on the train and would like some additional support with using your train ticket.
You can keep your tickets your orange wallet. They also have phone numbers to put you through to the passenger assist team.
Our participants got to take home an orange wallet and sunflower lanyard of their own!
Accessibility at Cardiff Central
The group, led by Chloe, a member of Cardiff Central Station’s new Transport Assist team, went on a tour of the station facilities. They visited:
- Ticket desk
- Information desk
- Ticket barriers
- Train platforms
Chloe explained the role of the Transport Assist team, who provide dedicated support to passengers with additional needs. The Transport Assist team work hard to ensure safe and accessible journey.
The group saw the best way to navigate this busy station using a quieter, wheelchair friendly tunnel on the left with lifts to each platform!
Chloe pointed out the new electric train to Penarth. The new train has wheelchair friendly access to the train without the large gap and high step most trains have.
Travel confident
Chloe was there to answer any questions and the group left feeling more confident with rail travel.
We have many more sessions booked in with Geraint and Clare across Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan, and Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Join One Planet
Are you an adult with a learning disability passionate about environmental action and exploring new places? Innovate Trust’s One Planet project welcomes you!
Join us to learn, have fun, and make a positive impact together. Get in touch today to find out more!
