Alsager station is helping to lead the way to make stations more dementia-friendly places. 

Signage has been improved ensuring it's easier to read and signs are placed so that those with dementia find it easier to see them. 

And members of Alsager Memory Cafe enjoyed a trip to Derby for lunch out to get them to feel safe and used to travelling by train. 

Alsager station's special award was presented on site today (Tuesday). (Photo: Nub News)

Now the station has won the community engagement award at the recent Cheshire Best Kept Stations awards for their Memory Cafe trip. 

And Mayor of Cheshire East and Alsager councillor, Rod Fletcher, presented the coveted award at the station today (Tuesday).   

Eleven members from Alsager Memory Cafe enjoyed live music from the 50s and 60s from acoustic duo, Craig and Caroline, followed by lunch at The Waterfall in Derby during their rail trip. 

This special event was hosted by East Midlands Railway (EMR) and North Staffs Community Rail Partnership (NSCRP) as part of their ongoing dementia friendly work at Alsager Station. 

Eleven members from Alsager Memory Cafe enjoyed a rail trip to Derby and lunch. (Photo: Nub News)

Kath Reader said "The Memory Café meets at Alsager Library on the last Friday of every month from 10.30 am until 12.30 pm.  

"We like to go on excursions, and it was very exciting to go on the train as many of our members had not done so for a long time. Singing along to the music was great fun – it was a marvellous experience and everyone loved it." 

One family member said: "A wonderful day that had an amazing impact, not only for my mother but also for the wider family who are so happy that she's had a lovely time." 

Community Rail Officer, Claire Sandys said: "We are keen to ensure that the railway is inclusive for all and hope that those living with dementia, and their carers, will feel more confident in using the train in the future as a result of this project.  

"We are keen to ensure that the railway is inclusive for all...

"It was great to see other passengers also enjoying the music and singing along." 

Alexa Stott, EMR Community Ambassador, commented: "It was such a pleasure to join this group on their special day out and see how much they enjoyed the experience.  

"It was also really helpful to see at first hand the issues that people living with dementia face when travelling on public transport and we hope that the positive aspects of this particular journey will encourage them and their carers to use the train again in the future." 

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