In response to what it says are unique challenges faced by the ‘covid generation,’ Go East Anglia, which owns Hedingham & Chambers and Konectbus, has launched a what it believes is a ground-breaking initiative called Generation Go.
After the pandemic reshaped how people live, affecting young individuals in particular, who faced disruptions to their traditional learning experiences, Go-Ahead says that as a result there is a growing need to equip the covid generation with practical life skills they might not have had the chance to learn during prolonged periods of lockdown.
Recognising the importance of travel and transport and understanding that some young people missed out on learning practical skills during national lockdowns, the programme is designed to empower 14 to 19 year olds with essential information on independent bus travel. Generation Go workshops cover a range of topics, including understanding bus routes, reading schedules, using the journey planner, using the app and website, and dealing with unexpected situations.
Made possible through the Go-Ahead Group’s Community Chest Initiative Fund, which finances a selection of local projects in Go-Ahead’s operating areas each year, the company says Generation Go reflects its dedication to community welfare and education.
Staff from Go East Anglia are taking this initiative to the heart of communities across the region, setting up interactive workshops in local schools, pop up events and colleges. Eventually, it plans to roll out the project more widely to other groups such as recruitment agencies as part of restart programmes to encourage people back into work.
