'Face to face' - South Tyneside families can have their say on young people's assisted travel... here's where
Feedback from young people, parents, carers and others will help inform what happens next.
Young people and their families are encouraged to help shape the future of post-16 assisted travel in South Tyneside as a public consultation gets underway.
South Tyneside Council has launched a consultation on how it supports young people aged 16+ who need help travelling to school, college or training. The council wants young people to be at the heart of the conversation.
No decisions have yet been made about future provision. Feedback from young people, parents, carers and others will help inform what happens next. The consultation runs until December 18.
The council is reviewing the service because since 2019, the number of young people receiving assisted travel support has increased by 62%.
The council says it wants to ensure support continues to meet individual needs, is fair, affordable and works for the future.
It is also considering how young people can develop greater travel independence where it is safe and appropriate for them. The proposals recognise that every young person's circumstances are different.
The consultation wants views on areas including how young people's travel needs are assessed, independent travel support, Personal Travel Budgets, council-arranged transport, travel outside South Tyneside and support in exceptional circumstances.
Cllr Michelle Fascione, lead member for Children and Families, Education and Skills, said: "We appreciate families will want reassurance about what these proposals could mean for them, and we recognise that every young person's circumstances and travel needs are different.
"This consultation is about listening to young people, parents and carers, understanding their views and giving them the opportunity to help shape what happens next before any decision is made.
“We want to support young people to develop greater independence where it is right for them, while recognising that this will look different for every young person and that some will continue to need support with their travel.
Face-to-face sessions are at:
Jarrow Focus, Wednesday, November 4, 3pm-5pm; Epinay school hall, Thursday, November 12, 1pm-2.30pm; South Shields Town Hall, Monday, November 23, 10.30am-12.30pm; Hebburn Family Hub, Wednesday, December 2, 2.30pm-4pm; Horsley Hill Family Hub, Friday, December 4, 9am-10.30am; Biddick Hall and Whiteleas Family Hub, Thursday, December 10, 9am-10.30am.
Full details and online survey at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/haveyoursay. Printed copies of the consultation document are available from South Shields Town Hall.