‘Confidence to Travel’ sessions in Rhyl help residents reconnect with train travel
Working Denbighshire recently held a series of free ‘Confidence to Travel’ sessions in Rhyl aiming to support Denbighshire residents rebuild independence and overcome barriers to using public transport. Delivered in partnership with Transport for Wales, the programme offered practical, friendly support for adults who felt anxious, unsure, or out of practice when it came to travelling by train.
Starting the journey from Rhyl Library, the three-part programme welcomed local residents aged 16+ who were experiencing low confidence, wellbeing challenges, or other barriers affecting their ability to travel.
Across the sessions, participants learned how the rail network works and explored Passenger Assist and safety guidance. They also gained hands‑on experience using journey‑planning apps and completed a supported real‑life train journey.
The sessions were further strengthened through collaboration with the British Transport Police. PSCO Andrea Platt attended the first session to share information about BTP’s role in keeping passengers and the rail network safe. Her involvement helped build trust with participants, grow their confidence, and address common concerns around travelling by train. PSCO Platt also accompanied the group on their final session, offering on‑the‑spot guidance and support, giving attendees a real opportunity to travel confidently.
Lowri Jones, Wellbeing & Resilience Coach at Working Denbighshire said:
“Confidence to Travel is about giving residents the knowledge, support and reassurance they need to feel comfortable using trains again. It was fantastic to see participants grow in confidence over the course of the sessions.”
Sian Jones, Community Rail Ambassador at Transport for Wales added:
"It was fantastic to support participants using our rail network to travel between Rhyl and Llandudno. These sessions allow us to remove the barriers people face, making travel more accessible for everyone while helping passengers gain the confidence and independence to explore our network with ease."
PSCO Andrea Platt, British Transport Police
PSCO Andrea Platt, British Transport Police, said:
“Strong partnership working with Transport for Wales and the local council is key to improving safety, building trust, and delivering effective support across the railway network.”
The combination of information, reassurance and hands‑on experience gave participants the confidence to overcome their initial anxieties and begin travelling independently for work, appointments, education and everyday life.
Connecting Communities to railways with Working Denbighshire
Travelling with Confidence project with Working Denbighshire and Transport for Wales, our objective is to help improve personal health and wellbeing, reduce social isolation and encourage people to use public transport more frequently, and improve their quality of life.
Working Denbighshire will continue to collaborate with partners and communities to provide support for individuals seeking employment, training, and personal development opportunities.
To stay informed about upcoming events, training opportunities and support available, visit our website.
Working Denbighshire is part‑funded through the Welsh Government Communities for Work Plus Programme.
Transport for Wales offer travel training for community groups. We visit local groups to talk about the assistance available at our stations and on our trains, how to buy a ticket and book passenger assistance, station and train facilities, and what discounts are available.