All three had very good communication skills, a good understanding of road safety and the use
of money, also the ability to take care of their belongings and use a mobile phone.

Andrew had been given the opportunity of a work placement in Colchester through his employment advisor and she wanted Andrew to travel there and back independently.  He was referred to me in July 2007 for TRAVEL TRAINING which he successfully completed.  This was a major leap forward for Andrew who up to this time had never travelled anywhere on his own.  Andrew continued his success, completing three other journeys and now travels independently everywhere on public transport.

Sam already had a placement at the Bookrest Café based in Colchester Library and would access this placement using provided transport.  Sam and I completed TRAVEL TRAINING on her route to and from the library and she continues this journey successfully on her own.

Guy wanted to access a new Crafty Drama Group being set up in St Botolphs Hall in Colchester.  All those interested were expected to travel independently and not use Community Link.  Guy had never travelled anywhere alone on public transport, he was always accompanied on any journey by his Mother or Support Worker.  Guy successfully completed TRAVEL TRAINING to and from the Drama Group and went on to complete two other journeys.

All the students mentioned above also attended Red House in Messing.  This route involved students getting on public transport into Colchester Town Centre and then another bus to Messing.  This was to prove a little more difficult as I was to witness for myself.  Once reaching Maypole Corner in Messing where students had to get off the bus they would now have to negotiate a 1¼ mile walk down a country lane with no footpath or lighting and the dangers of on-coming traffic.

After highlighting these dangers to the TRAVEL TRAINING TEAM it was decided that a shuttle bus would pick up all students at a pre-arranged time and take them to and from Red House.  Due to funding this took several months to achieve but to the delight of all concerned the shuttle bus was up and running by March 2009.  This continues to be a huge success so much so that the team are hoping to set up a similar project in Clacton to enable students to access many more opportunities.  To date all students continue to travel safely and independently to and from Red House.

Wonderful success stories that can only be achieved by the dedication of the TRAVEL TRAINING TEAM, the continued support of parents/carers and the powerful determination of the students to learn this skill that so many take for granted.

Mary Bruce, Travel Trainer