AFK’s Independent Travel Training Programme

A young man points at a train station sign showing directions to Platform 1 and Platform 2, as part of AFK’s Travel Training support.

For young people aged 14 – 25 with learning difficulties, disabilities and/or who are neurodiverse

We believe that independent travel is a gateway to greater opportunities. Our specialised travel training programme helps individuals overcome anxiety, develop essential skills, and navigate public transportation with confidence.

 

Through personalised support from our experienced trainers, participants learn to safely travel to school, work, social activities, and more – opening doors to education, employment, and community connection.

 

We recognise that for many young people and their families this is a big and sometimes frightening step, but we believe that by listening to young people and their parents’ concerns and with the right training and support any young person can make remarkable progress towards independent travel.

See our Travel Training Programme in action:

How Travel Training Works

We will: 

 

  • Assess you to see if you are ready to train 
  • Find out what support you will need 
  • Agree with you and your family one journey that you want to travel on your own 
  • Plan your journey with you and your family 
  • Give you a travel trainer who will support you 1-to-1 
  • Slowly give you more freedom as you get better at travelling 

When we assess you we must make sure that you:  

 

  • Really want to learn how to travel on your own to school, college or an activity centre 
  • Are healthy enough to travel on your own when the training is finished 
  • Behave well, and don’t do things that might put you at risk 
  • Can follow instructions from your trainer 
  • Can use your mobile phone to make calls or send texts 
  • Have a travel pass 

What you will learn 

A young man stands at a pedestrian crossing, looking across the road before crossing.

Road safety

Illustration of a smartphone map showing a route between two location pins.

 Personal safety 

Illustration of a smartphone map showing a route between two location pins.

How to use travel apps 

A young man speaks to staff at the accessible assistance desk at King’s Cross Station.

Read signs or get help 

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