UK-based train operator Northern Rail has launched a pilot scheme for dementia-friendly signage at one of its railway stations in Derbyshire.
Designed to make signs much easier for a person with dementia to understand, the pilot scheme is a result of Northern Rail’s work with the Friends of Buxton Station and local dementia support groups.
Under the scheme, fewer signs are designed to eliminate ‘information overload’, and signs are strategically placed at important ‘decision points.’
The scheme also includes a wider use of symbols to bolster the wording selected.
Northern and the Friends of Buxton Station will also gather feedback from local dementia support groups and individuals on the implementation of the scheme.
The pilot is said to follow the Friends of Buxton Station chairman Dave Carlisle’s approach to Northern for funding from the operator’s Accessibility Fund.
Northern Rail regional director Chris Jackson said: “We’re really pleased to get this pilot scheme off the ground, which has already been recognised by the Community Rail Network for influencing positive change.
“Small alterations can make a huge difference to someone living with dementia and the feedback from rail users at Buxton Station will help inform future station improvements across the network.”
In July this year, Northern announced that it will install its 345 train fleet with light detection and radar (LIDAR) scanning technology to make journeys safer and more efficient.
With around 2,000 services a day to over 500 stations across the North of England, Northern is claimed to be the second largest train operator in the UK.
