Young care leavers in the North East to benefit from free travel

The successful pilot scheme in Newcastle and Gateshead gave 300 care leavers aged 18 to 25 free travel on local bus and metro networks through a Pop smart card and an annual Network One season ticket, valid across all local public transport in Tyne and Wear.

One year since the launch of the pilot, more than 1,800 free journeys, funded by the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board, have been carried out in an effort to support young care leavers when transitioning into independent adult life.

Councillor Lesley Storey, cabinet member for Newcastle City Council, said: “The impact this project has had demonstrates our commitment to listening to the needs of our children and young people and taking positive action to address them and it is great news for the whole region that this will be expanded. We continue to use strong relationships with partners to provide services and support in a meaningful way to ensure our young people have the best possible opportunities for employment and learning and feel supported into a positive future.”