My journey - young people's travel journey to independence

Jack was referred to Community Connecting by his college. He had expressed a desire to become more independent and travel to college on his own.

During their first meeting Jack and his worker discussed the travel training process and Community Connecting, Jack decided he would like to register.

Jack was already confident in walking around his local area and was independently walking to his volunteering position in his local town.

The journey to college included walking and bus travel. As Jack was already familiar with the route to the bus stop the bus journey was the focus.

To help build Jack's confidence training started by doing the journey on a non-college day at a quiet time, so it was not busy with other students. This enabled Jack to practice the journey and have time to discuss any concerns without having to rush off to college.

Jack's training included:

•  How to buy a ticket using his college ID
•  Using the correct bus stops
•  Reading the bus timetable
•  Using 'what if' scenarios to discuss strategies if there was a problem

When Jack felt ready, he travelled on the bus to college and back independently, the journey went well, Jack was ready to travel alone. As part of the travel training process a quality check was carried out and Jack was deemed safe to travel that journey.

He now travels to and from college independently and enjoys his new independence.

Supported by Lindsey Neale
Community Connecting
June 2021

Jack said:

I feel happy and confident to get on the bus now