Young people on the move through Northumberland travel training programme
Hundreds of young people with additional needs in Northumberland are gaining the confidence and skills to travel independently.
Northumberland County Council's Independent Travel Training programme has had a life-changing impact for many, supporting young people to learn how to travel safely and independently between home, school, college and their local communities.
The training includes practical, hands-on sessions where participants learn essential skills including bus and train travel, road safety, route planning and building confidence in real-life situations.
Stage one consists of four weeks of classroom and community-based learning, while stage two provides personalised one-to-one support for young people who are ready to make the transition to independent travel.
Since March 2024, the programme has supported 245 students through stage one training, with 65 young people progressing to become independent travellers through stage two. Of those, 12 have gone on to retrain for new journeys, such as travelling independently to college or internships.
The service has worked with seven schools and six colleges across Northumberland and continues to welcome referrals from schools, parents, carers and support organisations.
Trainer Donna Jackson said: “Our goal is to help young people develop the confidence and skills they need to travel safely and independently.
“Everything we do is hands-on because we believe the best way to learn is through experience. Watching young people grow in confidence and achieve something they never thought possible is incredibly rewarding.”
The programme also supports young people beyond the journey itself through its growing Independent Travel Friendly (ITF) network which includes 86 venues, ranging from community hubs and cafés to Co-op stores and other local businesses. Recognisable by an ITF sticker displayed in the window, these locations offer a safe and welcoming space where young people can seek help if they need support while travelling.
Cllr Guy Renner Thompson, cabinet member for Children and Young People at Northumberland County Council, said: “I am very proud of our independent travel initiative which is about so much more than getting from A to B.
“The success of this programme is transforming lives and helping young people realise their potential while giving families reassurance that support is there when they need it.”