COMMUNITY & TRAVEL
Knowing how to get where you need to go can give you more freedom. From catching a bus to planning a new journey, travel skills can help you become more confident and independent.
YOUR JOURNEY. YOUR CONFIDENCE. YOUR INDEPENDENCE.
PLAN YOUR JOURNEY
BEFORE YOU LEAVE
1 — WHERE AM I GOING?
Check the address and where you need to arrive.
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2 — WHEN DO I NEED TO BE THERE?
Work backwards from your arrival time.
3 — HOW WILL I GET THERE?
Walk, bus, train or a combination.
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4 — WHAT WILL IT COST?
Check fares and make sure you can pay appropriately.
5 — WHAT IF SOMETHING CHANGES?
Think about what you'll do if you're delayed, miss your stop or a service is cancelled.
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PLAN IT → CHECK IT → TRAVEL IT
REAL LIFE CHALLENGE
CAN YOU PLAN IT?
You've got an appointment at 10:30am somewhere you've never been before.
What transport could you use?
What time would you leave?
How much will the journey cost?
Where will you get off?
How will you find the building?
What could you do if you're running late?
BUS CONFIDENCE
GETTING THE BUS
TRAIN CONFIDENCE
TRAVELLING BY TRAIN
PHONE TOOLS
MAPS: Find where you're going.
LIVE INFO: Check for delays.
Finding the station
ASK STAFF. INDEPENDENCE DOESN'T MEAN NO HELP.
FIND YOUR STOP
CHECK THE DESTINATION
Checking departures
KNOW HOW YOU'LL PAY
WATCH FOR YOUR STOP
Finding the platform
CHARGE PHONE — know what to do if it dies.
GET OFF SAFELY
PLAN FOR ERRORS
Managing changes
TRAVEL SAFELY
STAY AWARE
- Keep valuables secure
- Stay aware of what's happening around you
- Use well-lit and appropriate routes
- Know where you're going before setting off where possible
- Don't share unnecessary personal information with strangers
- If something doesn't feel right, move towards a safer public place or seek help
- Tell somebody if your plans change when appropriate
DON'T PANIC — MAKE A PLAN
I MISSED MY BUS
Stop, check the next service time, and let somebody know you'll be late.
MY TRAIN WAS CANCELLED
Look for departure screens for the next train or bus and ask staff for help.
I GOT OFF AT THE WRONG STOP
Find a safe, well-lit place, use your phone to find your location and plan back.
MY PHONE BATTERY DIED
Look for a member of staff or a safe shop/business to ask for help or directions.
I DON'T KNOW WHERE I AM
Stop and look for street signs or a map. Find a reliable person to ask.
I'M GOING TO BE LATE
Message or call ahead to let them know. Safety is more important than being on time.
GETTING SOMETHING WRONG DOESN'T MEAN YOU CAN'T TRAVEL INDEPENDENTLY. LEARNING HOW TO SORT PROBLEMS OUT IS PART OF THE SKILL.
Which of these could you find and travel to independently?
KNOW YOUR community
WHAT'S AROUND YOU?
GP / Health Services
Pharmacy
Supermarket
College / Training
Library
Leisure / Sports
Bus & Train Links
Local Support Services
Everyone develops independence at a different pace. Support should match the individual young person's needs and safety.
BUILD YOUR confidence
PRACTICAL SKILLS
LEVEL 1
PLAN IT
Plan a familiar journey with somebody.
LEVEL 2
LEAD IT
You take responsibility for directions while somebody travels with you.
LEVEL 3
TRY IT
Complete an appropriate familiar journey independently.
LEVEL 4
BUILD IT
Plan and complete other journeys as your confidence grows.
YOUR NEXT STEP
THE JOURNEY CHALLENGE
Choose somewhere useful you'd like to be able to travel to more confidently.
Where are you going?
How will you get there?
How long will it take?
What will it cost?
What's your backup plan?
CONFIDENCE GROWS BY DOING.
FROM THE NEXSTEPS WORKBOOK
TAKE YOUR INDEPENDENCE FURTHER
The Nexsteps Independent Living Skills Workbook explores travel, community access, journey planning and building confidence through practical activities, scenarios, reflection and goal setting.