Diversity House: Train Travel Training, May 2026
On Friday 22nd May we were joined by an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) learning group from Diversity House for a “Try A Train” experience.
Our journey began with introductions and a look at the accessibile travel information outside the station. Before moving through to the platforms. Everyone was advised to keep behind the yellow line until trains had stopped, it’s much safer than standing near the platform’s edge.
We used the departure screens to help us find the right platform for our train to Rochester and confirmed this using the information on the platform matrix boards.
The group took a short walk around historic Rochester to see the French Hospital, Cathedral and Castle. Here Diversity House led us in some mindfulness exercises, connecting us with our natural surroundings and encouraging peer-to-peer engagement within the group.
There was just time to order some drinks from the station kiosk, a great opportunity to practice spoken language skills before checking the platform for our journey back to Sittingbourne.
Our “Try A Train” experience helped 11 of our 13 participants feel a little or a lot more confident about planning a rail journey; 9 to feel more confident in making a rail journey, how they travel and being able to cope in the event of disruption. All 13 felt they had more knowledge on how to get help while on a journey.
Diversity House say that the biggest barrier for their ESOL learners to overcome is one of confidence. Finding the self-confidence to approach railway staff for help can be a bigger barrier than a lack of vocabulary; 9 of our 13 participants reported feeling a little or a lot more confident in other areas of their lives after the session.
