John Carr, TITAN travel buddy

John recently delivered the TITAN Travel Buddy programme, which helps young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and vulnerable young adults to become confident, independent travellers. He used his previous experience of working with young people for Norfolk Police and Wymondham College and trained young people in the South Norfolk area.

'The appeal for me in this role was to do something where I could train young people with SEND and make a difference to their lives. It's about creating life opportunities that previously may have been denied to them.

In terms of volunteering I've previously been a manager/trainer of my sons' football teams. I've also worked as a volunteer in youth hostels around the UK.

Being a travel buddy taught me that patience is key. When I first started doing it I quickly realised it was important not to jump to any conclusions about the young person you are helping. You have to remember what it's like for them, particularly when they meet the travel buddy for the first time. I remember one trainee who was quite withdrawn and didn't want me to sit next to him on the bus so I sat a few rows away and just kept an eye on him. Over time I found out that he loved films. He was doing an animation course at the College of West Anglia. I talked to him about films every now and then and eventually we had a connection.

If you want to volunteer as a TITAN Travel Buddy, I wouldn't say you have to be a particular type of person but you obviously have to enjoy being around young people, which can be incredibly rewarding and challenging at the same time.'