A 17-YEAR-OLD has been given his first taste of independence thanks to a travel training scheme for young people who have never been anywhere on their own.
Daniel Pollock, from Collier Row, is one of several young people with special educational needs who have been offered one-to-one training so that they do not have to rely on council-run transport to get to school or college.
The 12-week scheme is run by Havering Council in conjunction with DABD (uk), a charity that develops services to support and promote independence, social inclusion and personal development.
Several other London boroughs have implemented similar schemes following an initiative by East London Solutions, a group that encourages boroughs to explore joint working opportunities.
Daniel started his training in September last year.
His mum, Dawn, said: "I was very apprehensive at first because he had never been anywhere on his own but I decided to give it a go and I have been really impressed.
"Daniel has so much more confidence than before, it hasn't just helped him with getting to and from places, it's also helped him to talk to other people, he wouldn't normally do that.
"He's really confident now and he even refuses when I ask if he wants a lift because he prefers to use public transport.
"It has been really hard work for both of us but he has done really well, he's so independent now and I am really proud of him."
Daniel said: "I thought, how hard can it be, and just did it.
"It was hard and sometimes I went wrong but now I can go into town to meet my friends and I don't have to get a lift anywhere."
Those who have successfully completed the training are now able to make their own way to and from school or college on their own using public transport.
Some have developed the skills and confidence to travel around the borough to meet friends or go into town without having to rely on others to take them.
Josie Foreland, 18, also completed her training and now has much more freedom.
Her trainer showed her pedestrian friendly routes with zebra crossings and Josie learnt two different routes to college so that she can choose which way she wants to go.
Her mum Lynn Foreland said: "It's been absolutely wonderful, Josie has a new lease of life.
"She goes out on her own and sends me a text to let me know she's got to where she wants to go.
"I am really glad that she did it, she has so much more freedom than she did before.
"The service has been excellent, it's great to know that she can go out and everything will be OK."
A ceremony was held last week for those who have completed their travel training, where they received a medal from Councillor Lynden Thorpe, Mayor of Havering, for their hard work.
Councillor Paul Rochford, cabinet member for children and learning, said: "I am thrilled with this achievement and proud of everyone who has taken part. These young people now have new found confidence to travel around the borough.
"Independence is something that most of us take for granted and many of these people have had to rely on others to do everyday things like going into town or going to college which can be very limiting.
"This is a huge achievement for them and they should all be proud of themselves."
Anyone who is interested in the travel training scheme can find out more at www.havering.gov.uk
