New project helping to give people with hidden disabilities confidence to use public transport

A new project aimed at encouraging those with hidden disabilities to use public transport has been celebrated as a success.

The “Confidence to Travel” project provides videos and podcasts for people with hidden disabilities, giving them a realistic experience of using buses and trains and demonstrating the help and support that is available to them.

The project is a partnership between Transport for Wales, Conwy Valley and North West Wales Coast Community Rail Partnerships, Tape Music and Film, Creating Enterprise, and the Department for Work and Pensions.

Deputy Minister for Climate Change, Lee Waters, has praised the initiative, saying that the government wants everyone to feel confident and safe when using public transport.

Many people in the community suffer from non-visible disabilities and mental health issues, making planning a journey and using public transport a daunting task.

The “Confidence to Travel” project aims to support people with these anxieties by taking them through a journey on public transport, step by step, and showing what help is available.

The project has been developed with the advice of those with hidden disabilities, ensuring that it accurately reflects the challenges faced by this group.

Nadine Davies, Wales Group Director for the Department for Work and Pensions, has highlighted the project’s benefits, stating that it will enable Work Coaches to better understand some of the anxieties faced by customers and help build their confidence, resilience, and motivation.

Mel Lawton, TfW Community Rail Manager for North Wales, has stated that the project is part of Transport for Wales’ efforts to encourage more people to use public transport.

The partnership that has developed the “Confidence to Travel” project hopes that it will help people with hidden disabilities to feel more confident and comfortable when using public transport.