Agenda item

The Committee will receive a presentation on the Independent Travel Training Scheme.

The Committee received a presentation from the Disablement Association of Barking and Dagenham - DABD (uk) who provided Independent Travel Training to and from educational establishments or day centres.  This gives individuals more independence and opportunities to do things for themselves.

DABD are a charitable organisation working with and supporting excluded people across London and the UK.  Officers stated that DABD was in their 61^st year of providing a community service.

Officers explained that travel training comes under the remit of Personalisation.  The key word used was “assistance” this did not mean the provision had to be borough transport or a taxi as had been expected in the past.  Individuals who have specific travel needs are always offered the most independent and personally enabling solution for their situation.

It is important for the individual that there is family support in place so the transition to travel training in effective.  Trainees complete a 12 week training course, and DABD are aware that travel training is not for everyone.  The travel training builds up an individual’s confidence, coping skills and provides more opportunities for them.  It was successful in increasing social inclusion of vulnerable individuals.

During the training, the individuals learn the following:

·         Journey preparation and planning (e.g. what items to take, learning routes, landmarks, suitable clothing etc.)

·         Using public transport – buses and trains

·         Handling money and paying fares

·         Using technology (e.g. use of smartcards and mobile phones)

·         Confidence in communication

·         Telling the time and understanding information sources such as timetables and real time information displays.

·         Personal and road safety (e.g. Stranger danger, use of pedestrian crossings etc.)

·         Appropriate behaviours

·         Coping strategies

·         Travelling in the dark/ at night.

DABD (uk) supports parents and carers through the process by weekly feedback on the individuals progress, discussing any concerns as they arise, making referrals on behalf of the individual or family such as benefits advice, social activities and other information, and liaising directly with colleges and day service provisions.

Travel training should lead to less long term dependencies on the Borough Social Services provisions.  Individuals will be independent, have freedom of choice in employment, volunteering and leisure activities through the skills they gain and accessible public transport.  People with additional needs will be a visible part of the local community and will be able to access services when they want to, not just when they are supported to do so.

Members asked if there was cooperation from Transport for London (TfL) staff in relation to the needs of vulnerable people.  Officers stated that they would like to think that there is more awareness, and TfL do have an equal opportunities policy, however there are still some issues.

Two members raised concern about the whole scheme and felt the service was dangerous for vulnerable people to use.  Officers assured members that individuals had to pass the travel training before they could travel alone, and that the scheme was not for everyone.  Assessments were carried out before the training commenced and if a decision was taken that the training was not suitable then the individual would not carry out the training.

The Committee was shown a number of case studies where individuals had completed the training.  Officers stated that one of the individuals in the case studies had recently secured a part time job, 3 days a week.  This would not have been possible without the independence of travel training.

The Committee, with the exception of two members, felt the scheme was very good in promoting independence for vulnerable adults.