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Independent Travel Training

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Over the past two years we have consistently heard how important it is to travel confidently and independently.

However 73% of the people we spoke with said that transport is a barrier. 93% said that travel training would lead to increased independence and freedom for them.

We are delivering a training programme to help you feel confident travelling independently, or with a travel buddy, across Cumbria.

Helping you to travel in confidence.

Our Independent Travel Training is a brand new service that has been funded by the Motability Foundation

Working alongside Your Voice Counts, Adapt North East, Bridge CreativeDarlington Association on Disability and Skills for People, we are increasing the opportunities for people with learning disabilities to enjoy and benefit from the ability to travel. 

Our funding and partnership organisations.

What does Independent Travel Training involve?

Available to people across Cumbria, participants will gain confidence on:

  • The importance of personal safety when travelling 
  • The different types of transport across the region
  • The importance of keeping safe
  • How to plan your journey
  • Using technology to support you in travelling

Is the Independent Travel Training inclusive?

Yes. We tailor our training programme, support, and resources to meet the needs of every person. 

When you enroll onto the training programme we do a 'travel audit' with you. We will look at your needs and make an action plan for you, the training programme is tailored to this plan. 

Apply for the Independent Travel Training by filling in this quick form.

Your name

Please enter your full name.

Please enter your email address.

Please enter your phone number.

Learner name, if different from above

Will this programme make public transport across Cumbria more accessible?

Even in 2025, public transport isn't completely accessible for people with a learning disability. 

We will be using the shared knowledge and experience across our partnership to launch and support Travel Champions. 

Travel Champions will co-design a quality checking framework for public transport. They will be auditing services regarding:

  • Travel information
  • Vehicle accessibility
  • Workforce awareness of learning disabilities. 

The results and recommendations would then be shared with local transport leads to inform of joint solutions that could be implemented. 

Who are Travel Champions?

Travel Champions are a team of individuals who are autistic or have a learning disability. Their focus will be to raise awareness on the Independent Travel Training, as well as planning and delivering workshops around the importance of travelling for those with a learning disability. 

They will visit community groups and other organisations across Cumbria to share the work they are doing, and gather views and experiences from people who may be interested in this work.