Ellie had transitioned from High School to College.
Before commencing travel training Ellie was accompanied on her journey by her Mum Clare. Clare said that this was a nightmare for her as on her return journey “When I’d dropped Ellie off at college, the bus going home was regularly full of young people going to the nearby 6th Form College” This meant that often Clare could not get on the bus and had to wait for the next one.
Ellie began her travel training journey and each week as her knowledge and skills grew so did her confidence. Ellie said “it’s great meeting up with my fiends every day on the bus station. We have a laugh, sometimes we moan to each other especially if the bus is late.” Ellie does not enjoy waiting for buses that are late!
Peer support is a great way of informally providing support and knowledge based on shared experiences and is something that the travel trainers thoroughly encourage. This was very beneficial to Ellie.
After successfully completing travel training Ellie was delighted to be able to decide if she was going to catch the bus or walk to and from college with her friends. Choice is something that we often take for granted, the freedom to exercise control over our lives and preferences. She said “Sometimes the bus doesn’t turn up, I can’t be bothered to wait for ages. So, I choose to walk.”
Clare was amazed how quickly Ellie passed through the travel training, she thought it would take much longer. She was impressed by how Ellie was able to make her own decisions (although she was only a phone call away if advice was needed.)
Travel training is a skill for life not just school and college. Ellie continues to travel independently and will use public transport to get to her Internship at Tameside Hospital, which she will start in September. Ellie said, “I already know the route, I am looking forward to it.”
Ellie is an avid Mossley A.F.C fan and enjoys going to the home matches at Seal Park. Being travel trained has allowed her to access what’s going on in the community.
She independently catches the bus from home to the football ground where she meets up with her friend. Participating in this activity and the freedom to choose contributes to a sense of well-being and has improved her quality of life.
