help on the train etc, does anyone know how it works etc?

[meerkatsandkookaburras]

im taking ds on the train in a few weeks and have not booked tickets yet but need to, what do i do to get help getting him and stuff on and of each train? do i need proof etc of disability?? what do i ask for? do i just ask at station when i buy tickets? is it any help? what happens if your train is delayed or if getting to lift etc takes longer at a change and you miss next train!?

sorry loads of questions but im stressing about it and cant go to station for a few days to ask them!

OK, I'm a bit of an old hand at this now.

You need to book the ASSISTANCE in advance, I was actually advised to still buy tickets on the day in case the machines to pick up pre booked tickets were not working. To book assistance you need to know what station you're travelling from, what trains you'd like to travel on (times etc) and where you're going to. Then you ring the assisted travel line for the train operator who runs your starting station, so for me, even if me and my friend H are going on CrossCountry trains, I have to ring Virgin as they're the main provider for our local station. They'll go through what help they can offer, take your travel details, and arrange it all.

On the day, you need to be at the station half an hour before your train, buy your tickets, then make yourselves known to a member of staff. When the train comes, they bring ramps etc, help you on (they've always pushed my friend's wheelchair up the ramp and to the wheelchair space for me, without being asked) and get you settled. They'll phone your arrival station and when you get there, there will be someone to help you off the train.

To go home, again arrive half an hour early and make yourself known to staff, and they'll do the same as above but for your journey home.

They need at least 24 hours notice so they can get staff etc, make sure there's spaces on the train if you're taking a wheelchair and sort out anything else.

they have been absolutely brilliant the times I've needed help, and never asked for "proof" of any kind. As Lollipop says, you need to book the assistance in advance. If you have pre-booked seats, that really helps, because then the helper can be lurking outside your carriage.

and they track your train, so if it's delayed, they just send the helper along a little bit later.

there are people at Birmingham New Street whose entire job is helping people with changes

but also, I've always found that there'll be a strong young man getting off at the same station who will cheerfully get a buggy or suitcase off/on the train for me if I ask politely with many smiles [just watch out for your child getting anxious about other people holding your bags though, if that's likely - that's happened to me too, where the "helper" has not been permitted by my companions to help at all. Ahem.]

On the whole I have found trains pretty good I do try to book ahead but have been times when can't have found most. Stations will help them phone station let you know your coming

thanks so much ill definately try to book the assistance then as its a good few weeks away so hopefully it wont be a problem!! i knew mumsnet would know the answer, thanks everyone xx