Young disabled people to boost their travel confidence
Young people with disabilities are being offered training to help them travel more independently on public transport in the borough.
The offer comes following a recent survey which asked young people with disabilities about their experience of travelling by themselves and how improvements can be made.
The research was carried out by Young Advisers Havering, a local group helping people with disabilities to get their voices heard.
Pupils from local schools and colleges had a mixture of experiences and suggested a number of ways that they can be supported.
They included ensuring the trainers are more disability aware and making the training application forms easier to use.
Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, said:
“Being able to travel on public transport is an invaluable life skill, but for a person with a disability it can be really difficult.
“The travel training we offer is aimed at building the confidence and skills they need to get on a bus, train or tube and get to their destination and back.
“The training has helped many young people to be able to travel alone and has boosted their self-esteem and communication skills, as well as helped them to overcome any fears and anxieties.
“In the past three years, of the 39 students referred for travel training, only three are now currently relying on Havering travel assistance.
“We want as many young people as possible to be aware of the training so they can take advantage of it if they wish.”
The training is free and can run for up to 12 weeks. The young person will be assigned a trainer and a personalised travel plan will be developed working with the young person’s parents/carer.
They will cover everything from what to do if you have a need while you’re out and about, buying tickets and personal safety.
Eligible students who meet the criteria for travel assistance can apply.