This Sunday’s edition of the BBC One television show Songs of Praise will feature passengers travelling by Northern on a dementia-friendly train service between Whitby and Middlesbrough.

The special service, named the “Forget-Me-Not” train, started last year.

Last month, the first of this year’s services ran for people with dementia, their friends, and their families. During the journey, they were entertained with live music and treated to homemade snacks and soothing hand massages.

Travelling with them on the train was the show’s presenter, Reverend Kate Bottley, who talked to them about their experiences of living with dementia, their faith, and their love of music.

The passengers also spoke about the value of travelling on Forget-Me-Not trains, as they provide a safe and relaxing environment where they can socialise whilst enjoying the views of the picturesque Esk Valley.

More Forget-Me-Not trains between Whitby and Middlesbrough will run on Thursdays, 21st May, 16th July, and 17th September.

Anyone wishing to travel on the trains can purchase tickets on Northern’s website, at ticket vending machines, or from station ticket offices. Holders of Disabled Person Railcards and their carers can travel on the trains at a discounted price.

Ellie McWilliam travelled on the train with her 83-year-old mother, Jean, who used to be a volunteer at another train company in Northallerton.

She thought that it was brilliant to be able to connect with other people in a similar situation and enjoy the scenery, as well as being a great day out in a safe environment, with everyone being so friendly and kind.

During Dementia Action Week in May 2025, Hull Trains partnered up with the Alzheimer’s Society to treat five people with dementia, some of whom hadn’t been on a train in years, to a return trip to Doncaster.

“The atmosphere is always really good on board – it’s such a happy place. It’s a safe space for people to relax in, but it’s also a good place for carers to meet up and socialise. The music takes people back, and you can see their feet tapping and heads nodding, but the train journeys can also bring back some old memories. We want to see more of these services run in other parts of the country.”

Lisa Williams, General Manager, Esk Valley Railway Development Company, who came up with the idea for the services and works closely with Northern to organise them