How to get a Travel Mate?

Step 1 – Talk to us

Give us a call on 020 8874 7279 or contact us and we will get in touch with you.  When we speak to you we will take some details and talk to you about what sort of support you would like, your skills, where you live and so on. Travel Mate will send you a referral form by email or by post.

Step 2 – Finding out what you want

Once we have received your referral form a HAIL manager will come and meet with you at a time and a place that suits you. In this meeting we can answer any questions you have and find out what you want HAIL to support you with.

This meeting will help us write a personalised Travel Plan and risk assessment.  Your Travel  Plan is the document that will tell HAIL staff how you would like to be supported and will help us to make an individual care package that meets your exact needs.

Step 2 – The price

During the meeting we will talk about how much you would need to pay for travel support.  HAIL can work with any budget, big or small.

Once you have the price you can then decide if you want to spend your Individual Budget on this sort of service. If you are happy we will ask you to read and sign our agreement that will say in clear language what you want us to do and how we will do it.

Step 3 – Choosing staff

If you decide that you would like support from HAIL we will help you to choose the HAIL worker that best suits you.

We think choosing staff is the most important step. We will ask you what sort of person you get on with and would like to work with.  You may like to work with someone who likes the same music as you, be happier with a female or need someone who can speak your language.

From what you say we will give you profiles for people we think you might like to work with.  You can choose from these people who you want to support you.

Step 4 –Getting support

Once your support starts, HAIL will give you an emergency card, contact details of the office and on call number for emergencies. You will also have access to our training bus ‘First Route’.

How long until I get support?

From when you first phone HAIL we can normally have support in place for you in less than 2 weeks. For emergency situations we can get you support for the next day.   But if you are not in a rush it is good to take a little more time to make sure we match you with the member of staff who you feel happy and comfortable with.