A major train booking platform has launched new badges for passengers with Parkinson’s.
Trainline, an online ticket company, has partnered with Parkinson’s UK on a campaign to make rail travel more inclusive.
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition caused by nerve cell damage that reduces dopamine levels in the brain.
It can cause symptoms like shaking, slowness of movement and muscle stiffness, according to the NHS, but each person’s experience is different.
Around 166,000 people in the UK have the condition and someone is diagnosed every 20 minutes.
It aims to spread awareness of conditions like Parkinson’s and encourage patience among other passengers.
Trainline’s new research suggests knowledge of Parkinson’s is low and 54 per cent of those surveyed admitted they were unsure about identifying symptoms.
To help tackle this, Trainline and Parkinson’s UK, a charity, have created a badge for passengers with the condition to help raise awareness and indicate they may need more time or support during their travels.
Trainline, an online train ticket company, has partnered with Parkinson’s UK on a campaign to make rail travel more inclusive
Some 55 per cent felt spotting a visible badge on someone would make them feel more likely to offer help.
The badge design features the words ‘Patience please, travelling is challenging for me’.
Parkinson’s UK and Trainline hope it will encourage fellow passengers to be compassionate and understanding with those around them.
The initiative should help to make a difference as only 15 per cent of those surveyed said they felt ‘very confident’ in identifying symptoms of Parkinson’s.
Ben Gee, 47, has Parkinson’s and shared his thoughts on the badge.
He said: ‘Parkinson’s affects everyone differently, and for me the hardest part is that people don’t expect someone my age to have it.
‘I can’t always stand for long and sometimes my tremors or movements draw looks or questions.
‘The badge takes away that ambiguity, meaning I can travel more confidently – it quietly explains what might be going on without me having to prompt the conversation.’
Ben felt it would help other people ‘understand’ and ‘giving them the green light to show kindness, ask questions or offer assistance – something that can change your whole journey’.
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition caused by nerve cell damage that reduces dopamine levels in the brain (stock)
What’s more, Trainline is offering £10 off train travel to 500 people living with Parkinson’s. It hopes to help them access appointments and attend things like support groups.
Sarah Helppi, UK country director at Trainline, said: ‘There is a growing need to recognise those travelling with accessibility needs, especially less visible conditions which might not be immediately apparent during everyday travel.
‘We have worked closely with the team at Parkinson’s UK and the broader Parkinson’s community to develop a travel aid that enables those with Parkinson’s and others to signal their needs to others in train stations and on trains.
‘We hope to give those wearing it more confidence when travelling, while encouraging fellow passengers to be patient and considerate.’
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