Getting Out and About

Travelling independently is an important life skill to have and can build confidence. It may be essential for getting to and from college or work each day. You may also need to use transport to meet friends or attend groups and activities which may help to develop social skills and support your general wellbeing.

  • Get Going

    Get Going is a programme for young people who currently get travel support (taxi or minibus provided by Sheffield City Council). The programme gives young people the chance to take their first small steps towards independence, whilst maintaining the travel support currently in place. It enables a young person to work towards developing skills for the future, and helps to increase their confidence and maturity.

    Independent Travel Training

    Sheffield City Council offers free travel training for young people aged 10 to 19 years who have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan, or who have been identified by their school or college as requiring additional travel support through training.

  • Safe Places scheme

    A network of local businesses and organisations are designated as “Safe Places”. They aim to support vulnerable people to feel safe when they are out and about in Sheffield. If someone needs help, for example they are lost, ill or frightened, then they can enter the nearest safe place to get help. The staff or volunteers in safe places will assist anyone who goes to them for help. Go to the Safe Places website for more information

  • Sheffield’s two main bus companies - Stagecoach and First Group provide cards with messages like “Please be patient, I have difficulty speaking”, or “Please tell me when we reach my stop''

    You can hold these cards up to the driver so they know what your needs are.

Travel support can include:

  • independent travel training, helping young people develop skills and confidence to travel on their own

  • free travel passes

  • money back for travel costs to and from school or college

  • minibus or taxi transport, usually shared with other young people

The Local Authority will ask for a contribution towards the total cost of the transport.

You may be able to get a 16 to 19 bursary to help with the cost. Your young person’s school, college or training provider can give you the forms to complete and explain the criteria

Who can apply

Post 16 travel is assessed by looking at:

  • young people’s needs and distance from school/college

  • whether the route can be travelled safely by walking or using public transport, possibly supported by an adult

  • how a young person currently gets to school or college

Having an Education, Health and Care Plan does not guarantee travel support. Young people can qualify for travel support without one.