A Step towards Independence

The Travel Training programme is run by Herefordshire Council, however Beacon College work very closely with the trainers to maximise the benefit for participants.

What is Travel Training?

Independent travel training is a structured programme designed to teach young people with learning disabilities or learning difficulties how to travel independently and, where appropriate, how to use public transport.

Young people learn travel skills for an identified route, usually to or from college or a work placement. They are supported in learning to use transport and in developing the necessary skills for safer independent travel.

Travel training is designed to help people to get more from life by giving them the confidence to travel independently. 

Being able to access public transport or learn routes on foot helps people make their own choices about how they live and what they want to achieve.

Travel training can help overcome barriers to: 

• Social Inclusion
• Access to leisure facilities
• Employment
• Independent journeys to college/clubs

How do Travel Trainers help the trainees?

Trainers will accompany trainees on their journeys, providing encouragement and guidance until they all feel confident that the trainees have developed the appropriate skills to travel independently. The team are there to help develop skills such as:

• Coping with traffic on major roads
• Crossing with and without pedestrian crossings
• Learning the highway code
• Coping with traffic on major roads
• Crossing with and without pedestrian crossings
• Learning the highway code
• Confidence in using buses
• How to plan a journey
• Familiarisation of travel routes and timetables
• Identification of landmarks
• Where to get help
• Personal safety
• Money skills and use of mobile phones