The Weardale Railway in County Durham recently created a day of unforgettable memories for local children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The North East Autism Society has awarded the Weardale Railway with a Gold Autism Acceptance Award for its commitment to accessibility and inclusion, and this was shown when families were provided with a special heritage rail experience, with support throughout the day from County Durham charity Little SENDsations.

Little SENDsations supports children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. It also helps those with complex needs and profound and multiple learning disabilities and the families who care for them, and provides inclusive activities, events and support networks so that families feel understood, valued, and connected.

A scenic journey through the Durham Dales from Bishop Auckland to Stanhope gave the families the chance to enjoy an accessible experience designed around individual needs, with volunteers and staff from the railway making sure every family was welcomed, supported, and included. This included helping the passengers board the trains comfortably, adapting them to individual requirements, and providing them with an environment where they could all relax and enjoy the experience.

A highlight of the day was when the train stopped outside the railway’s depot whilst one of the railway’s large locomotives was brought outside, and both trains sounded their horns together. At Stanhope, families enjoyed a picnic and played football, before the train returned to Bishop Auckland West, where many of the families described their experience as one where they felt completely accepted, being able to spend quality time together without barriers.

The Weardale Railway is very much family-oriented, and last Easter it held a weekend of family activities, and in May, it ran a special heritage train journey for people living with dementia and their carers.

“We are incredibly proud to have welcomed Little SENDsations and their families to Weardale Railway. Everyone should be able to enjoy the unique experience of travelling on our heritage railway, and it was wonderful to see so many smiling faces throughout the day. Volunteers and staff went above and beyond to ensure every family felt comfortable and included, and seeing the children made it a truly special occasion for everyone involved.”

Claire Gibbons, General Manager, Weardale Railway