A guide to independent travel training for parents

The event has been organised to give parents of young people with disabilities and special educational needs more information and training about the initiative as well as peace of mind that their children are trained to improve their road safety skills and feel more confident about using public transport.

Catherine McDonald, cabinet member for children's services at Southwark Council said:

"This training is a great way to support young people to be as independent as possible when they travel, which in turn means they can independently access opportunities and activities. This training event is an ideal opportunity to inform people about this essential social care service which is making a real difference to the lives of young people with disabilities.

"It also serves the purpose of reassuring parents that their children are in safe hands when they use the service."

Councillor Dora Dixon - Fyle, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said:

"This training event is an ideal opportunity to inform people about this essential social care service which is making a real difference to the lives of young people with disabilities."

Independent Travel Training takes place every second Wednesday of the month and is gaining support and interest from parents of special needs children keen to see their children travelling independently and access further education, employment and participate in social events without transport being a barrier.

The initiative is provided by Southwark Council, Abellio, Transport for London's Travel Mentoring Service and the Metropolitan Police Safer Transport Team. It is one of four similar projects throughout London .

Mike Weston, London Buses Operations Director said:

"We are pleased to be working with Southwark and the Metropolitan Police Safer Transport Team on this project. Bus Days provide a fantastic opportunity for disabled Londoners to experience independent travel on a bus in a safe and controlled environment. They also give us an opportunity to highlight the innovative TfL Travel Mentoring Service. We hope those people who take part in the Bus Day will find it a useful experience that will enable them to travel on the bus network in future."

Background information 

The independent travel training scheme was put together by the ITT board which consists of Southwark parents, Abellio bus company, TfL Travel Mentors, Metropolitan Police, Southwark Road Safety and Southwark Parent Partnership.

Southwark Independent Travel Training has been held every second Wednesday of the month since November 2010. Sessions are held at either 10.15am or 12.30pm (meeting point is Humphrey Street bus stand, behind Tesco Old Kent Road).

Travel Mentors show participants how to use all the information at a bus stop - the routes the bus numbers and local maps.  Passengers are shown how to board the bus and stay safe while on the bus.

To book your place, contact Vivienne Harris on 020 7525 5544 or email vivienne.harris@southwark.gov.uk