Free rail passes for people who have lived in care

Dozens of people across the West Midlands who live in care or are care leavers are set to receive free train travel thanks to a new partnership.

The scheme will give 40 complimentary rail passes to members of the Wolverhampton-based charity the Susan Vickers Foundation, which supports care-experienced people.

The charity's new partnership with West Midlands Railway will see people receive a pass providing a day's unlimited travel.

The passed can be used across the West Midlands Railway and London Northwestern Railway networks.

The partnership follows findings from the National Care Leaver Covenant Impact Report, which showed care leavers cite social exclusion and the absence of shared cultural experiences as major factors behind feeling disconnected from mainstream society.

West Midlands Railway said it hoped the scheme would enable "enriching day trips across the country", such as visits to museums, theatres or landmarks.

Sophie Gardner, senior sales and marketing manager at West Midlands Railway, said: "Susan [Vickers's] proposal to our Charitable Giving Panel clearly laid out the benefits cultural experiences across the UK can have on people in care.

"Unfortunately, there are often barriers for care-experienced people to access these kinds of trips.

"By taking away the cost of travel, members of the Foundation will be able to enjoy the best of our network with days out in London, Liverpool and across the West Midlands."

Susan Vickers, founder of the charity, said: "For so many, travel has always been out of reach — and with it, the chance to explore culture, arts, and experiences that help shape confidence and identity.

"This partnership opens doors that were previously closed, and I'm incredibly grateful for West Midlands Railway's belief in what this could mean for our community."

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