Case Study: Empowering Individuals Through Supported Volunteering
The Travel Trainer Making a Difference
This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Travel Choices Manager, Cheryl Knight, who recently won the prestigious Care Worker of the Year award at the Surrey Care Awards. Cheryl’s innovative work with Travel Choices is transforming the lives of individuals with disabilities, empowering them to gain independence and explore the world around them.
A Journey of Care and Empowerment
Cheryl’s journey with Surrey Choices began in 2013 when she joined as a Support Worker at a day service, The Harbour. Over the years, she progressed to a more senior role, gaining invaluable experience in supporting individuals with disabilities.
However, Cheryl felt drawn to a new challenge. She saw an opportunity to make a significant impact by helping individuals with disabilities develop essential life skills through travel training. This led her to join Travel Choices, where she has been instrumental in empowering individuals to navigate public transport and explore their communities independently. Cheryl now manages the services.
The Power of Travel Training
Travel training is more than just bus timetables. It’s about improving self-esteem and opening up a world of possibilities. Cheryl explains, “There is so much more to it than just learning to catch a bus or a train. It gives the people we support a new confidence; it really is life-changing.”
By developing essential skills like road safety, time management, and problem-solving, individuals supported by Travel Choices are able to:
- Gain independence: Explore their communities without relying on others.
- Build social connections: Meet new people and participate in social activities.
- Access to education and employment: Attend college or university or find fulfilling jobs.
- Improve quality of life: Experience new adventures and live more fulfilling lives.
A Proud Moment and a Bright Future
Winning the Care Worker of the Year award is a testament to Cheryl’s dedication and passion for her work. She attributes her success to her fantastic team and the incredible individuals she supports.
“I feel very honoured and humbled to win this award,” she says. “I am very grateful for the nomination and happy that Travel Choices can be represented in this way. I have a fantastic team behind me and none of this would be possible without them.”
To aspiring travel trainers, Cheryl offers the following advice:
“You need to be able to work flexibly, some days can be long with super early starts; we often see a sunrise! A Travel Coach also needs to be adaptable; no two days are the same and you need to be able to make quick decisions and stay calm when things don’t go to plan. Being kind, caring and approachable is also key. We are very fortunate and get to meet lots of people from different cultures and backgrounds, as well as dealing with members of the public and liaising with schools and other care professionals.”
Cheryl continued, “You also need excellent timekeeping and organisational skills and at times need a thick skin to deal with a grumpy teen at 7am, when it’s cold and wet outside. (They are always much happier at 4pm when we pick them up!)
With her unwavering commitment to providing exceptional care, Cheryl Knight continues to inspire and empower individuals with disabilities, one journey at a time.
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