Community Ambassadors
The Northern Community Ambassadors Scheme is an innovative new project which aims to promote the use of local rail services to communities around three stations across the north of England - Blackburn, Farnworth and Rochdale.
The scheme will directly reach out to those communities served by Northern, with the aim of breaking down barriers to local rail travel.
The scheme is being run by Northern, with support from the Department for Transport, Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive and Lancashire County Council.
The aim of the scheme is to generate improved relations between Northern and our local communities, resulting in sustainable passenger growth on rail services around these locations.
How can a Northern Community Ambassador help you?
Our Northern Community Ambassadors undertake a diverse range of activities within their local communities including:
Community surgeries
Weekly community surgeries are held once a week by our Ambassadors. These 'open door' sessions provide the perfect opportunity for you to have an informal chat with your Ambassador about local rail services.
You can visit your Northern Community Ambassador at:
Blackburn: Pringle Street Community Centre, Pringle Street, every Monday 11am - 1pm
Farnworth: The Well, Farnworth Baptist Church, Trafford Street, every Thursday 11am - 1pm
Rochdale: Deeplish Community Centre, Hare Street, every Tuesday 9am - 12pm
Open days within the community
Regular open days are organised by our Community Ambassadors in supermarkets, health centres and leisure centres across each location.
Our Ambassadors will be happy to answer any questions you have about Northern and local rail services. They'll be on hand with the latest train timetables and will be available to provide helpful travel tips to assist you getting around by train.
Presentations to local groups
Northern Community Ambassadors are available to deliver awareness raising presentations to local community groups and schools.
These presentations will provide your group with information on local rail services, and will present you with further details on our free accessibility trips.
Free accessibility trips
Free accessibility trips for local groups can be arranged with your Northern Community Ambassador. These trips are designed to give you the confidence to be able to use your local rail services.
Accessibility trips generally start from a central point within the community, such as your local community centre, showing you the safest walking route to the station.
Once at the station, your Community Ambassador will show you:
- Where the CCTV is sited
- Where the toilets/baby changing facilities are situated
- Where and how to buy tickets
- How to read the timetables
- The layout of the station
- The nearest bus stops and taxi ranks
- Car parking facilities
Once on the train, your Community Ambassador will show you:
- Where best to sit
- How to buy a ticket from a conductor
- Who to speak to on the train for information
- How to exit the train safely
- What to do in the case of an emergency
How do I contact my Northern Community Ambassador?
Our Northern Community Ambassadors are here to help. To find out more about the scheme please contact:
