Sydney’s School Leaver Employment Support (SLES) groups from Campbelltown, Miranda, and Oran Park came together to attend a Sydney Trains Workshop.
Rail safety is an essential life skill and Sydney Trains aims to educate the community to travel safely on and around trains and stations. Run by Sydney Trains’ Community Engagement Officer, Kylie, the workshop included a tailored presentation aimed to build confidence travelling safely and independently to and from SLES, or work. The workshop also included interactive sessions on understanding train security, how to get on and off the train safely, navigating the complex network, noting accessible signage, emergency help points, learning how to recognise station workers and what to do in an emergency.
Kylie also discussed Transports NSW’s new initiative on educating their employees on hidden disabilities with the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program. As part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program, customers can get a free lanyard to wear while travelling, discreetly indicating they have a hidden disability and may require assistance. Transport for NSW worked with Autism Spectrum Australia to develop training for staff to support them to help people with hidden disabilities use trains with greater comfort. Around 90 per cent of Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink customer service staff have undertaken the training.
Thank you to Sydney Trains and Transport NSW, for the lanyards and rail safety information. Our participants are excited to utilise these on their community access days and travel to and from programs.
