Bluestar, part of the Go-Ahead Group, has begun a partnership with Southampton City Council to provide travel training for locals with learning disabilities.
The operator has been providing bus passes to Life Skills Service Development Officers, so that they can prepare adults with learning disabilities for work or volunteering.
The Life Skills service, commissioned by Southampton City Council, provides support to adults with learning disabilities who want to explore paid employment, further education and voluntary work.
It also supports individuals to increase their independence skills, including travelling independently and community or leisure access.
Depending on the individual needs of the person, the Life Skills team offers tailored support to increase confidence and independence – including help – to access training and education, employer engagement to set up work experience or employment opportunities, CV creation and interview preparation, one-to-one support including job coaching and travel training, safety awareness and money skills.
Richard Tyldsley, Bluestar General Manager, commented: “Southampton City Council Life Skills service does an excellent job, making sure more people in the region have the chance to take employment or volunteering opportunities – and travelling independently on public transport is an important part of that.
“We are pleased to be able to support the council in its activities, by providing free travel for its Life Skills travel trainers.
“It complements our customer promise training programme which all our drivers undertake so that they are more aware of all of our customers’ needs.
“It was great meeting with some of those who have been helped by this initiative – and learning about their experiences.
“I’m delighted they’re enjoying their journeys with Bluestar, and I’d like to wish them success with their travels in the future.”
