Young People Pave The Way For Independence

Published on: 7 Dec, 2015
Updated on: 7 Dec, 2015

A group of people with learning disabilities took to Guildford’s streets to identify ways in which their local area can be improved to help them move around more safely.

The group from halow who took part in the survey.

The group who took part in the survey.

The group, aged 16 to 35, are part of the halow project, based in Guildford. The charity aims to support young people with a learning disability live as independently as possible.

They carried out a community street audit on a walk from the Discovery Centre, near halow’s main office in the town on Tuesday, November 24, identifying barriers which made their journeys difficult and prevent them from walking more, such as uneven pavements, lack of dropped kerbs and ineffective crossings.

Victoria Spashott from Living Streets points out a possible obstruction.

Victoria Spashett from Living Streets points out a possible obstruction.

The audits were led by Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking.

The young people worked with project co-ordinators from Living Streets to discuss what is good or bad about walking and what might help make them more independent when going out and about in their local community.

Victoria Spashett, project co-ordinator (Surrey), Living Streets, said: “We want everyone who can walk to have the chance to do so on streets that are safe, pleasant and fit for walking. Through this project, we were able to hear directly from the group about the small changes which would make a great impact on their journeys.

“By identifying barriers to walking we can start to address them so that more people can travel actively and independently, and start experiencing the health, social and environmental benefits that walking brings.”

Building Futures Group's assistant co-ordinator Mel Simmonds from halow looks at a loose granite sett in Guildford High Street.

Mel Simmonds, halow’s Building Futures Group’s assistant co-ordinator, looks at a loose granite sett in Guildford High Street.

Mel Simmonds, halow’s Building Futures Group’s assistant co-ordinator, added: “Being able to travel actively is very important for this group of people. It can really increase their confidence and independence and help them develop important life skills.

“By walking they become part of their community, can access leisure opportunities easily and experience the same benefits to their mental and physical health as everybody else.

“We’re really happy to be part of this project and hope that the findings of the audit influence positive changes for everyone using our streets.”