Travel training in action for Stephanie

Fifteen young people aged between16-25 and from the Coleraine, Ballymoney and Moyle District Council areas with a sensory and/or physical disability signed up to the scheme and have recently completed its programme of events.

The purpose of the Travel Training Programme was to equip the group of young people with skills necessary for safe and independent travel so that they can fully take part in all that society has to offer and make journeys so they can use services and join in activities that would otherwise not be available to them.

The training included a number of activities including a guided tour of Translink Coleraine where the group was shown how to purchase tickets and access the bus and train terminals, a session to learn about the services available in Coleraine, a day trip to Portrush on the train, and visits to Riding for the Disabled and the Jet Centre. The group worked towards a qualification during the programme- an OCN in Travel Training.

23 year old Stephanie Stewart from Ballymoney said: “I enjoyed the OCN in Travel Training and I especially enjoyed planning our journey to Portrush on the internet and then carrying out this journey on the train, which included going for a meal in the Ramore.”

Jayne Rosborough from Active Futures said: “The Travel Training Programme was a great success the young people learned a lot about travelling independently but also had fun whilst doing it. We would like to thank Translink and Guide Dogs for the Blind for their help and support during the programme.”

The Active Futures Programme funded by The Northern Health and Social Care Trust supports young people in the Causeway locality with physical and/or sensory disabilities to ensure a smooth transition from school into employment, further education and community based programmes across a range of social, recreational, voluntary, vocational and educational sectors.

The Cedar Foundation works in partnership with disabled people across Northern Ireland providing quality support, care, accommodation and training services to enable disabled adults and children to participate in all aspects of community life. To find out more tel: 02890 666188 or log on to www.cedar-foundation.org