Great Western Railway becomes first train operator to achieve autism-friendly award

Great Western Railway is the first train operator to achieve a national award in recognition of its work to provide an autism-friendly environment and inclusive customer service for autistic people.

GWR has gained the National Autistic Society’s Autism Friendly Award, which supports businesses to be more inclusive for autistic people by providing accessible customer services, information and environments.

Ater initially being recognised for autism-awareness initiatives between Plymouth and Penzance, GWR has now received the Autism Friendly Award for the whole of its network.

The train operator has created several autism-friendly products designed to help autistic people travel by train.

This includes:

• A soundbite series that allows autistic people to understand the sounds they may experience when travelling by train, available here 
• Virtual video tours of stations to better allow people to navigate the station prior to arrival, available at GWR’s YouTube channel 
• Sensory packs that provide coping tools to allow travel more comfortable, details here 
• Providing ear defenders to support passengers who experience over-stimulation or sensory overload (available at some staffed stations)
• Expanding its 'Try a Train' programme, which supports individuals/groups in developing their travelling confidence

Brodie Pollock, 11, has benefitted from GWR’s autism-friendly initiatives, travelling on the train regularly with his parents, Richard, a driver depot manager based at Bristol Parkway, and Hayley.

Hayley said: “GWR is a big part of our family. Experiencing the support they have put in place and knowing they have achieved this Autism Friendly Award shows it is leading the way for railway inclusion. I hope other train operators take note.”

GWR Accessibility Mentor Coral Thomas said: “We are proud to be the first train operator to achieve national autism accreditation across our entire network, building on the success of our 2023 accreditation between Plymouth and Penzance.

“This milestone reflects a sustained commitment to making rail travel more accessible and supportive for all. While I’ve been closely involved in leading these initiatives from the very beginning, it has only been possible through the collaboration of colleagues across many departments who share the same passion for improving the experience of every customer, irrespective of their needs. “We look forward to continue to look for innovative approaches and solutions for accessibility and welcome suggestions from the travelling public.”

Christine Flintoft-Smith, Head of Autism Accreditation and Projects at the National Autistic Society, said: “We are delighted Great Western Railway has achieved the Autism Friendly Award, helping to make society a more autism-friendly place for autistic people and their families. “There are lots of small changes businesses can make to better support autistic people, and just a little understanding can go a long way. We hope to work with as many businesses as possible to help create a society that works for autistic people.”

More than 700,000 people in the UK are autistic, but many autistic people and their families still struggle to access essential community spaces, businesses and shops. By meeting the standards set out in the Autism Friendly Award, businesses can ensure they offer an industry-approved autism-friendly environment.

The National Autistic Society’s Autism Accreditation Programme is the UK’s only autism-specific quality assurance programme of support and development for all those providing services to autistic people.

For more information about the Autism Inclusive Employer Award, visit the National Autistic Society website.

Contact Information

John Carter

Media and Communications Manager

Great Western Railway

0845 410 4444

[email protected]

Notes to editors

About the National Autistic Society

The National Autistic Society is the UK’s leading charity for autistic people.

We are here to transform lives, change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people.

Since 1962, we have been campaigning for autistic people’s rights and providing support and advice to autistic people and their families.

To find out more about the charity and autism, visit www.autism.org.uk

Follow the National Autistic Society’s social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, LinkedIn and YouTube.

About autism

Autism is a lifelong neurodivergence and disability which influences how people experience and interact with the world.

More than one in 100 people are autistic which means there are at least 700,000 autistic adults and children in the UK.

People of all ages, genders and ethnicities can be autistic. But people from marginalised groups can face more barriers to getting a diagnosis.

Autistic people are different from each other. They have a unique combination of characteristics with different sets of strengths and challenges.

Autistic people may:

• feel things and react to them differently to non-autistic people
• be much more or less sensitive to the five main senses: sight, sound, touch, taste and smell, and senses for balance, movement, spatial awareness and awareness of internal states
• find socialising confusing or tiring or become overwhelmed in loud or busy places
• have different communication styles, skills and preferences to non-autistic people
• have intense interests
• prefer order and routine
• use repeated movements or actions to calm themselves or express joy
• mask their discomfort to fit in, which can lead to mental illness.
• Read our guidance on how to talk and write about autism. 

About Great Western Railway

First Greater Western Limited, trading as “Great Western Railway” (GWR), operates trains across the Great Western franchise area, which includes South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, across southern England and into London. GWR provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services and helps more than 80 million passengers reach their destination every year. GWR has been awarded a National Rail Contract to operate the Great Western network: https://www.gwr.com/about-us