Every year around 10,000 young people leave foster care or residential children’s homes in England, some at 18, some as young as 16.
We know from the care leavers we support that many find this a lonely and isolating experience.
With the average cost of a weekly bus pass over £18, roughly one third of a young person’s weekly Universal Credit allowance, for many care leavers bus travel can feel like a luxury. Yet without it, they often struggle to access work, education, childcare and medical appointments.
It also prevents them from meeting friends and family - the very people who could make them feel connected and part of a community. One young person we support commented:
“If I pay for the bus, I haven’t got enough money for food shopping or to put gas and electric on so I can’t really afford to get the bus.”
That’s why we are calling on the government to fund free bus travel for all care leavers aged 18-25 in England.
Older people and those with an eligible disability already have free bus travel through the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme. We’re calling on the government to extend the scheme to provide a lifeline to care leavers, many of whom are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
This would help care-experienced young people to access jobs, and combat loneliness and isolation through activities such playing sports or having a coffee with a friend. Please support giving care leavers the independence they need to build a brighter future. Add your name to our petition today.
