‘Forget-me-not’ train: Special journey from Hunmanby to Scarborough for those living with dementia

Yorkshire Coast Community Rail Partnership (YCCRP) have hosted a special ‘Forget-me-not’ train for people living with dementia and their carers.

Taking place on Wednesday, October 14, the Rail Partnership took an established community group from Hunmanby on a trip to Scarborough.

The train travelled from Hunmanby to Scarborough.

placeholder image — The train travelled from Hunmanby to Scarborough.

During the journey, the YCCRP served hot drinks and biscuits while live music was provided by local acoustic duo ‘3 Rabbits in a Raincoat’.

On arrival at Scarborough Station, all the passengers went to Westborough Methodist Church Café to enjoy a buffet lunch provided by church volunteers.

Passengers were played music and served drinks by volunteers.

They were then given a tour and talk about the historic building.

As the passengers waited at the station for the return train, the musicians played for the group once again, and continued to provide music on the journey back, whilst volunteers served drinks once more.

Bim Ness, Hunmanby Village Coordinator, said: “Our group had a super trip out on the train.

"They all really enjoyed themselves and appreciated all the hard work that went into organising it.”

The group then visited Westborough Methodist Church Café, before returning home.

Roger Gaitley, Vice Chair of the YCCRP said: “It was very evident to me that this event brought a high degree of happiness and inclusion to this often neglected group of people.

"I would like to express my thanks to all who volunteered their time and energies to make this a memorable trip for those living with dementia in Hunmanby.”

The YCCRP hope that as well as bringing happiness to participants, the forget-me-not train journeys will help to bring conversations about dementia to the forefront of people’s minds and raise awareness among the general public.

Dementia affects approximately 1 million people in the UK, with its impact far-reaching and indiscriminate, affecting not just those diagnosed, but also their loved ones.

Music was played for the group while they waited for the return train.

Members of staff from Northern and Network Rail also helped out on the train journey, and station staff at Bridlington and Scarborough supported YCCRP volunteers as they prepared for the trip.

Richard Isaac, regional community and sustainability manager at Northern, said: “This event showed that small acts of kindness really do make a difference.

"A friendly conversation, a helping hand, a smile, a moment of patience or simply taking the time to listen can help reduce isolation and make people living with dementia, and those who care for them, feel valued and supported.”