Are you a confident person? If not I wonder why because we are not born with a lack of confidence.

Is it possible to regain that lost confidence or must we go on enduring these doubts that float about in our heads?

Disabled people now have more ‘hurdles’ to jump over than many other people. This can easily sap their confidence, particularly with public transport. Oxford Transport and Access Group (OXTRAG) has been concerned for some time about how recent budget cuts are affecting the social life of elderly and disabled people as the Community Transport, that so many of them relied on, was reduced, making it unavailable for many people. Isolation and dependency could follow. To try to help disabled people we came up with an idea about running a scheme called “Travel with Confidence”.

We sought the help and co-operation of Oxford Bus Company, Social and Community Services and OCCs transport department which proved as enthusiastic as we were. Participants, along with their mobility aids, were transported to the bus depot where they were greeted with a cup of tea and a biscuit followed by a discussion about how drivers are trained to help disabled passengers to access the bus safely.

Lunch then appeared giving people the opportunity to gather their strength before taking part in the busy and practical session that followed. Theory is one thing but experience is another. Several bus trainers were on hand to teach those in wheelchairs and on scooters the easiest way to park in the wheelchair space. I can assure you there is a knack to it. Laughs, frustration and patience were the order of the afternoon, but it was declared a success. In the Spring of this year OXTRAG entered a report on our project for an award given by The National Transport Awards Committee in the category “Dedication to Access for All”.

Our success gave us the incentive to write an account of this project and submit a 1,000 word entry. In August we heard that we had been short-listed for an award and were invited to the ceremony in the Westminster Park Plaza to hear the final verdict. Oxford Bus Company sponsored a table where ten of us sat eating a very enjoyable dinner while we waited, fingers crossed, for the final result.

Excitement ran high as several hundred people sat waiting for the result of their category. Reading uses won, but, to our surprise, we were awarded a framed Highly Commended certificate.

We were over the moon. Next year, who knows? Contact us if you know anyone who would like to take part in this scheme. It really makes independence possible.