The travel card is one of the initiatives as part of the Evry plan aimed at supporting the city's young people in response to young carers highlighting the impact travel costs had on their wellbeing and opportunities to access education and socialise.
The travel card is one of the initiatives as part of the Evry plan aimed at supporting the city's young people
A 2021 ONS survey identified around 120,000 young carers between the ages of 5 and 18 in England. Data from the 2021 census also identified the North East as having the highest percentage of carers at 10.1%. In Newcastle specifically, 1 in 12 young adults have a caring role and no support according to Newcastle Carers, who are running this scheme with the city council.
Councillor Nick Kemp, leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “Listening to and addressing the needs of our children and young people is a key priority for us. Our young carers and young adult carers do an amazing job, and we are proud to support this latest project which will give them the opportunity to access education, training, and employment as well as socialise with their friends and family.”
According to the leader of Newcastle City Council “Listening to and addressing the needs of our children and young people is a key priority for us."
The Chief Executive Officer of Newcastle Carers, Luke Bramhall said in response to the scheme: “We are delighted that young carers and young adult carers will be able to access free travel. Caring for someone can be incredibly demanding and often restricts young people's ability to get out and about, including access to vital education and employment. We wholeheartedly support the Travel Card scheme, and at Newcastle Carers, we will support young people with caring responsibilities to access it so they can thrive in Newcastle.”
If eligible, there is more information and you can apply through https://www.newcastlecarers.org.uk/young-adult-carers-free-travel-card/
