Cornwall Council has announced that young people leaving care will be able to travel for free on Cornwall's buses.

The idea behind the scheme is to give them better access to work, training, or studying. They will also be able to attend appointments, as well as help improve mental health and reduce isolation. 

After a successful pilot run in Cornwall with the charities  Carefree and Barnardo's, and the bus operators, the council agreed to officially adopt the scheme and now the first passes have been issued to over 90 care leavers with more requests being processed to give pass holders free bus travel in Cornwall.  

The council has said that feedback from the young people receiving the new bus pass has been overwhelmingly positive. 

Connor Donnithorne, Cornwall Council cabinet portfolio holder for transport said: "It is a real and tangible benefit for young people leaving care to be able to travel for free on Cornwall's buses. 

"It will help care leavers struggling to meet friends as well as help them to access employment and training opportunities. This initiative helps drive forward our vision for a more inclusive transport network that care leavers and those who need it most can rely on."  

Sarah Crawley, director of Barnardo's South West, said: "We are absolutely delighted that Cornwall Council has become one of the first local authorities in England to offer care leavers free bus passes, it will be life-changing for young people who can often feel lonely and isolated. 

"Barnardo's launched its 'Transport for Freedom' campaign last year asking for all care leavers in England to have access to free bus travel because young people themselves told us of the huge impact it can have on their lives, being able to travel to meet up with friends and family. 

"It also opens up opportunities to further their education, take up employment opportunities, and gives them the freedom to shop where they want, rather than have to rely on expensive convenience shops."  

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