Passengers at Crewe station now have access to a new waiting room, specifically designed to offer those with hidden disabilities a safe and calm environment. The Calm Corner is the first of its kind on the rail network. It features the use of grey and green colours in order to give a calming effect, a living wall and plants to complement the colour scheme, specially designed furniture for comfort and relaxation, a child's play table, LED rope lighting that can change brightness to suit all. It also has screens with old images of Crewe station and town centre to help trigger memories for those suffering from dementia and has a rail point Totem offering helpful advice (EG train and station layout). It was brought to life through the work of train operators at the station, Network Rail and advice from a number of partner charities. The idea was first suggested by work experience student, Megan Hughes, who used her own experience of living with Aspergers Syndrome as inspiration for the project. Passengers using the waiting room can have access to the same support and passenger information they would get elsewhere on the station. However, it will be with the addition of a special totem screen, offering helpful advice such as train times, onward travel information and station layout. Through ongoing work with Alzheimer's Society, London Northwestern Railway is committed to improving the experience for passengers living with dementia, to help support independent living through the use of the rail network. The train operator is now working on initiatives to improve staff training as well as implementing small changes at stations that will make a big difference to the experience for passengers. The ‘memory corner' has been designed to help trigger memories for those who have used Crewe station for many years using a collection of historic photos of the station. It is hoped this collection can grow, with contributions from passengers, families and other supporters.
