Helping more young disabled people get out and about

Young disabled people who struggle to make public transport journeys in Greater Manchester are to benefit from a major funding boost.

The new ‘Travel Training’ project will equip young disabled people with the skills and confidence to make public transport journeys on their own.

Travel Training is being funded by Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority (GMITA); they are providing £56,000 to the Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People (GMCDP).

The project aims to significantly improve the independence of people with a range of needs and abilities, both disabled people and those who are unfamiliar with using public transport.

The scheme also hopes to reduce the need to provide special transport services.

As well as directly benefiting young disabled people, the GMCDP’s new 18-month long Travel Training project will develop a pool of skilled Travel Training advocates to help others across the region. Travel Training is for people of all ages who need extra help to learn to use public transport safely.

The organisation also plans to find long-term funding for the project.

Vice Chairman of GMITA, Councillor Keith Whitmore, said: “Travel training is a fantastic initiative. Many people just hop on a bus, train or tram and think nothing of it, but for those with learning or mobility difficulties it can be more of a challenge.”

He added: “The benefits of public transport are huge in that it gives people independence, but only if you’re confident using it. This Travel Training programme works with groups of people who need extra support to make journeys safely and independently.

“Through workshops and tailored practical experience, they will be equipped with the skills and confidence to travel on their own.”

Caron Peachey from Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People (GMCDP) said: “Young disabled people unable to use transport independently are restricted in their chance to participate in a range of everyday activities – including education, employment, training and leisure opportunities.

“The project will also raise the profile of the issues and barriers disabled passengers face amongst transport providers. We would like to thank GMITA for recognising the importance of this project for young disabled people.”

Further information about the grants available to voluntary organisations to set up Travel Training schemes can be found in the ‘Accessible Transport’ section of the GMPTE website (www.gmpte.com) or by calling GMPTE on 0161 244 1259.