Travelling on the UK’s first dementia-friendly railway line

By training staff, adapting facilities and providing inclusive activities, the Bentham Line is pioneering dementia-friendly rail travel.

Rail travel can be a lifeline for people affected by dementia, but it brings a range of challenges too.

On the Bentham Line – a fully functioning 75-mile rail link rather than a quaint heritage ride – every difficulty has been considered. In 2019, it was recognised as the UK’s first dementia-friendly railway line.

Named after a small Yorkshire town on the route and operated by Northern, it runs from the hubbub of Leeds to the Lancashire seaside resort of Morecambe, past miles (and miles) of incredible scenery.

Two carriage train crossing a bridge over a river

‘It shows what can be done if you bring all the right ingredients together and have an open dialogue with the community to find out what their needs are,’ says Catherine Huddleston, Community Rail Partnership (CRP) Officer for the line.

How the project started

The Bentham Line CRP was set up around 20 years ago to improve train services and develop community links.

It’s one of over 70 CRPs around Britain.

The line’s dementia-friendly rail initiative formally launched in 2018. However, the first seeds were sown years before with a sample trip for people living in a care home, explains Rod Tickner, Vice Chair of the CRP.

‘Our aim was to make the Bentham Line a centre of excellence.’ 

In terms of understanding how community rail can help those with dementia to still lead an active life and feel part of society.

Raising dementia awareness

With involvement from national, regional and local community organisations, including Alzheimer’s Society, the CRP’s approach has many aspects.

 

‘We’ve gathered together all the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle to create an accessible journey, one that takes into consideration all the difficulties that a person with dementia and those caring for them might experience,’ says Catherine.

Key to the project is raising awareness among staff and volunteers about dementia.

‘They’re all offered training and the opportunity to become a Dementia Friend,’ explains Rod. He has personal experience of dementia, after caring for his wife, and is a Dementia Friends Ambassador.

Paul Mason, train conductor on the line, says he embraced the opportunity after experiencing dementia in his own family.

‘There’s not enough public awareness of how to support people with dementia.'

I’m really proud that we’re doing our bit to make a difference.

Uniformed staff from Northern Rail and members of the public on a train platform, next to an open train door

Accessibility on the railway

There’s been a concerted effort to make stations along the line more accessible.

There are limitations given the structures and facilities are largely Victorian – the line was first opened in the mid-19th century. 

But the aim is always to support passengers and their carers so they’re able to travel with confidence.

‘We worked with Alzheimer’s Society looking at every aspect of the stations, including the signage, the lighting and the atmosphere,’ says Catherine.

Stations along the line are ‘adopted’ by local groups, who have improved platforms using everything from artwork to retro travel posters.

‘What helps people affected by dementia also helps other passengers who may have physical and hidden disabilities,’ adds Gerald Townson, the CRP’s Chair.

Dementia-friendly activities

Another unique aspect of the Bentham Line is a range of dementia-friendly activities offered along the route.

These were created in collaboration with people affected by dementia.

Easy-to-follow walking routes have been developed at Morecambe, Bentham, the Forest of Bowland – an area of outstanding natural beauty – and Saltaire, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There are reminiscence activities too, available through local dementia groups. These include an immersive trip to Carnforth, where scenes from the 40s classic film Brief Encounter were filmed.

‘We see the line as a gateway to opportunities,’ says Catherine. 

There are so many amazing things along and near it that people affected by dementia might not otherwise feel able to access.

Inspiring dementia rail projects

The influence of the Bentham Line is beginning to ripple out to other rail lines.

‘Dementia-friendly journeys are now available on the Esk Valley line in North Yorkshire and the Settle to Carlisle line – they’re taking the idea we started,’ explains Gerald.

‘Our work has also been picked up by the Department for Transport as it works to set up Great British Railways, the new public body that will operate the national rail network.’

A large group of people stood on the platform at Bentham station celebrating the station's 175 year anniversary

Big impact on rail passengers

Accolades and achievements aside, the Bentham Line team says it’s the very personal impact of their work that gives them the most satisfaction.

Experiences such as seeing carers bond with one another, or watching people’s excitement as they glimpse the shimmering waters of Morecambe Bay or the soaring Yorkshire peaks of Pen-y-ghent, Ingleborough and Whernside.

‘The greatest reward is to see the expression on people’s faces and to interact with them,’ says Gerald. 

Above all else, they’re appreciative of the care and attention they receive.

‘We have an extra glow of pride thinking about how the project benefits people in so many deeper ways – including our staff, who take what they’ve learned into their own lives and families.’

Passenger Assist

Do you need help when you’re travelling by train?

People with dementia can request free help in advance using Passenger Assist. So can people with other disabilities, impairments and needs.

Find out more

Dementia together magazine

Dementia together magazine is for all Alzheimer’s Society supporters and anyone affected by the condition.
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Dementia together magazine is for all Alzheimer’s Society supporters and anyone affected by the condition.
Subscribe now
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