Our trail is accessible from Thameslink stations; London Blackfriars, London Bridge, City Thameslink, and Farringdon

Whizz Kidz are delighted to work with Thameslink to deliver Morph’s Epic Art Adventure in London. Not only are Thameslink supporting us to promote the UK’s first step-free art trail, but the trail is also easily accessible from Thameslink stations London Blackfriars, London Bridge, City Thameslink, and Farringdon, which offer step-free access from the train to the platform and onto street level.

Thameslink have sponsored the incredible “I Spy Morph”, designed and painted by twin sisters Phillippa and Rachael Corcutt. It can be found outside Blackfriars station on the South Bank.

Artist Rachael said: “Accessibility is so important, and having staff trained to assist people with non-visible and visible disabilities is a wonderful way of making it easier and more accessible for people to use rail services.

“We are both autistic and non-verbal, so having staff that can help and assist with certain aspects of travelling by rail is really helpful. We think it’s really important that people with disabilities feel enabled.

“This design evokes a sense of adventure, discovery, and travel. We wanted to showcase the sites and buzz of the city, from exploring the well-known landmarks to finding somewhere new.”

“No young wheelchair user should have to fear travelling alone.”

One of the reasons Whizz Kidz are excited to work with Thameslink is that accessible travel is an important cause to our Kidz Board. Kidz Board are the campaigning group of young wheelchair users at the heart of our charity. They ensure the lived experiences of the young wheelchair users they represent across the UK influence every important decision Whizz Kidz makes. They are passionate about raising awareness of the issues that affect us every day, and one of the key priorities outlined in their 2023 Manifesto is travel.

The key points outlined in the Kidz Board’s Manifesto are:

• Vital improvements are needed now to infrastructure, passenger information and facilities so that the travel network is more accessible to young wheelchair users.
• Young wheelchair users need to be involved in the planning, designing, and auditing of services and policies so that our voices are heard at every level.
• There needs to be better public understanding so people respect wheelchair users’ right to travel. We should not feel scared or unable to travel alone.
• More wheelchair users should be represented in travel marketing materials so that people can see what we can do, not what they can’t.

Thameslink share these beliefs. Sophie Court, GTR (Govia Thameslink Railway) Accessibility Improvement Manager, said: “We are committed to creating a more accessible and inclusive railway, where everyone has the confidence to travel, no matter their disability or need for assistance.

“We’ve teamed up with Whizz Kidz as this is a fantastic opportunity to help promote this terrific step-free trail and tell people about the assistance we have on offer. You can turn up and go at our stations at all times trains are running, or if you prefer you can also pre-book assistance prior to travel. More information is available in the Assisted Travel section of our website.

“We’re the perfect partners to get people to the trail, as all the London train stations between St. Pancras and London Bridge have step-free access for our Thameslink passengers from the station entrance to the train.”

Some of the ways that Thameslink are working with Whizz Kidz are:

Try a Train events

Thameslink have invited Whizz Kidz beneficiaries to a series of “Try a Train” events. These sessions are designed to educate and give supervised experience to young wheelchair users travelling by train to give them the confidence to travel independently.

Increasing representation

Thameslink have worked with two Whizz Kidz beneficiaries and their families to create content featuring young wheelchair users. This is important to our work supporting the Kidz Board manifesto, specifically their target to increase the representation of disabled people in travel marketing materials.

Highlighting accessible attractions on the art trail

During the filming with our beneficiaries, Thameslink highlighted several accessible attractions in London that visitors can visit while taking part in the art trail.

Partnerships Marketing Manager, Jackie Bookal, said: “It’s not just Morph’s Epic Art Adventure trail that will wow families. There are lots of step-free attractions, including the SEA LIFE, Shrek’s Adventure and St Paul’s Cathedral, that have great 2-for-1 deals for anyone with a rail ticket. That coupled with our ‘Kids for £2’ ticket and Advance fares means a family could travel to London very cheaply.”

Sophie said: “This trail is a great day out for wheelchair users and their families. With these routes being step-free, you can just enjoy the sights.” Thank you to Thameslink for their continued dedication to accessible travel and making the world a bigger place for young wheelchair users.