Those at our Learning and Lifestyle hub in Cairns have recently had the opportunity to develop essential life skills through a new Public Transport Program.
Launched in November 2023, the program began with a few people. Support Worker Erika Boreham supported Blake, Cassidy, Scooter (Shamus), and occasionally Haylea along their journeys as the first people to use the service. It steadily grew in popularity and by February 2024, there was a weekly average of 6-11 commuters taking advantage of the program every Thursday. Support Workers Brad and Arnaud played a crucial role in this growth.
The bus driver led the group on round-trip excursions to key local destinations, including Raintree-Cairns Central and Cairns Central-DFO.
These locations were carefully selected to help everyone aboard build confidence in navigating busy public spaces and using public transport in real-life settings.
The local beach and the suburb of Smithfield were later added to the Public Transport Program as additional destinations for travel.
The local community was incredibly supportive as they offered help and encouragement to the people we support during these outings. This friendly atmosphere made the program even more rewarding and allowed participants to feel both safe and welcomed.
The Kuranda Scenic Railway also generously donated free tickets for the group to travel from Freshwater to Kuranda.
The participants were thrilled by the scenic train ride, which provided a new, unforgettable experience which also broadened their horizons.
Through the Public Transport Program, People We Support learned many practical skills. For example they read time timetables, communicated with bus operators, paid fares and practised bus safety. These experiences helped everyone familiarise themselves with public transport – which was the aim of the program. The project also had several benefits for all involved including increased independence, problem-solving abilities, and improved communication. Some expanded their vocabulary, while others developed a stronger sense of direction and confidence in navigating the world around them. Each session has left participants not only with new skills but with a growing sense of self-assurance.
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